second thoughts re CHC

[quiltergal]

I also use 4 parts CHC, 1 part perlite, and 1 part charcoal for most of my plants. I find that I don't have to water as often as I do with bark, and the CHC don't break down as quickly as traditional bark chips do. CHC does need to be soaked at least overnight but 24 hours is better, and change the water a couple of times to get rid of the salt.

In an emergency repot situation when you don't have any soaked CHC ready you can pour boiling water over the chunks. I let them soak in a bowl of boiling water for about 30 minutes. While the chunks are soaking I usually give the plant a good soak too. The boiling water opens up the fibers in the chunks and allows it to soak up water. Repot when cool.