drainage issue

so, my shrub thats been into the flower cycle for about a week is showing signs of a phosphorus issue. I am using Biobizz nutes with cal mag supplement but am realizing now that when I water it takes atleast 5 minutes for there to be runoff, and the runoff is minimal at best. how can i correct a drainage issue at this stage of the game? local shops here (Germany) dont carry perlite so im at somewhat of a loss. any help and info would be appreciated.

Cheers

Use more water till you get the needed run off.

Wetting agents, which include surfactants, reduce the surface tension of water so that it spreads and is absorbed by dry soil and potting mix.
The simplest way to improve water take up by hydrophobic soils is to use a soil wetting agent. “We believe that what happens in some soils when organic matter breaks down is that it leaves a waxy coating on the soil particles. Wetting agents are like detergents. They overcome that waxing coating and allow water to penetrate into the pore spaces between,” Peter said.

“Most potting mixes, if they become dry, will also become water repellent,” he said.

*BUDS said:

Wetting agents, which include surfactants, reduce the surface tension of water so that it spreads and is absorbed by dry soil and potting mix.
The simplest way to improve water take up by hydrophobic soils is to use a soil wetting agent. “We believe that what happens in some soils when organic matter breaks down is that it leaves a waxy coating on the soil particles. Wetting agents are like detergents. They overcome that waxing coating and allow water to penetrate into the pore spaces between,” Peter said.

“Most potting mixes, if they become dry, will also become water repellent,” he said.

Click to expand...

not sure what the excerpt means exactly, but my problem is a serious lack of drainage, already into early flower, so i think soil additives are out of the question at this stage, just curious about other options

Can you get rice hull and/or gypsum?

@NaturalFarmer

I'm a tad confused, there was a very short part concerning the drainage and how gypsum may help to increase it, but do you think it will make a drastic difference? my soil is thoroughly water-logged, more so now that I have flushed in hopes to remove some salts and other buildup that may have been locking out phosphorus.

The calcium in gypsum will replace the Magnesium in your soil and let it start to breath. The sulfate will become more attracted to the magnesium and will free calcium in your soil. The calcium is large and creates pockets of air as it works in. You can then leach the magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) and let your roots begin to breathe.
I would replace gypsum for your cal mag.....you obviously don't need more mag in your soil. Get some lime worked in regardless of pH.
I assume you have a lot of peat in your mix however? Why not make a decent mix and ditch the bottled stuff?

For the time being, maybe drive a spike down to the bottom of the pots in a few spots to get the water working down channels?

@NaturalFarmer

makes more sense, thank you for elaborating, moving to coco next cycle with AN A+B grow and sensi cal mag and a few others, wanted to see what the hype is all about

will carefully drive ~20 or so wooden cooking skewers to the bottom in hopes of creating some channeling, thanks for the help!

How big are your pots? I was thinking a little wider maybe 1/4"(maybe a wooden handle from a spoon). Go about 2/3 away from the stalk vs the side of the pot and don't worry about the roots too much.

The peat repels water, I would be curious if you are bone dry in spots and soggy in others depending on your pot size. A wetting agent would help with this if it is the case.

NaturalFarmer said:

How big are your pots? I was thinking a little wider maybe 1/4"(maybe a wooden handle from a spoon). Go about 2/3 away from the stalk vs the side of the pot and don't worry about the roots too much.

The peat repels water, I would be curious if you are bone dry in spots and soggy in others depending on your pot size. A wetting agent would help with this if it is the case.

Click to expand...

thanks dude youve been a great help! yeah growing in what the germans like to refer to as humus (compost mostly) mixed with some regular organic potting mix cut with guano and some worm castings, they dont sell perlite over here so I didnt add any amendments for aeration and drainage, regretting not buying some online now!

Cheers and thanks again

Rice hull is my personal favorite. As it breaks down it provides a large amount t of Si. It's also cheap and better for your health (which is why I think you can't find it, could be wrong on that though)