Confused over ph levels for soil versus HydroMix 'soil'

mismos00

Well-Known Member
OK, I've been using Atami B'Cuzz Mixx, which contains 70% Peat Moss and 30% Perlite. I assumed this was considered 'soil' and therefore have been feeding my plants with a ph of around 6.7-6.8 (in the high end of the soil range - I keep it a little higher because I was told soil mediums tend to become acidic over time).

http://www.gardenscure.com/420/nursery-reference/105126-nursery-troubleshooting-guide.html

I recently got some coco coir and read that since it is a hydroponic medium, it should receive a ph between 5.5-6.1.

Where my confusion comes in is that the B'Cuzz mix I've been using is called 'HydroMix HP' and is technically also considered a hydroponic medium, so should I have been using a lower ph when feeding?

Is Peat Moss/perlite considered a hydroponic medium or a soil medium and should the ph level reflect that?

What defines a medium as 'soil' as opposed to other mediums? (That B'cuzzMixx stuff sure looks like soil).
 

mismos00

Well-Known Member
Is a medium only considered 'Soil' if it has organic fertilizer in it (and therefore doesn't need to be supplemented with liquid fertilizers)?
 

demonic1

Well-Known Member
They are both considered soilless mediums. Soil = Dirt. Peat Moss, Perlite and coco coir are all additives to make soil hold more water, retain water or give it more volume so air can circulate and the soil not compact too much into a mud. I use Sunshine Pro 4 mix, which is a Peat / Perlite / vermiculite mixture, and 5.8 PH is what is recommended and has worked well for me. If you have been using a higher PH on your plants and they are looking good, then do not switch until your next grow. The plants have accustomed themselves to it and its best not to change it too fast on them.
 

mismos00

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the response demonic1! This should be common knowledge to growers but the answer took a while to come.

So is it only considered a 'Soil Grow' if natural fertilizers are mixed into the grow medium?
 
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