Do Ceph's need an acidic soil ?

[dan]

Ok, since I cannot get anyone to answer my "can ceph's grow in pure perlite" I assume that means yes as people are quick to tell you no and imply your stupid. The reasons for wanting to use perlite is it is:
1. light weight as im using over 4 square foot of it to get a depth of 6 inches
2. I think I will be able to control the moisture in this easier than I could sand
3. It is very airy and shouldn't contribute to the dreaded root rot syndrome
4. It is available and I know it is plant safe, where I'm not sure on all the different sands available
5. It looks a lot like Phil's pics of his white beach sand, members even asked if it was perlite.

I am hours away from planting them and have read hints that they need some acidity to their soil, kinda makes sense as every soil mixture I read contains some peat or sphagnum in the mix. But yet I reflect on the Natural white beach sand pics that are posted here ( the natural setting I'm trying to replicate ) icps.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=cephalotus&action=display&thread=3903
And I doubt if that's acidic ground.

Just looking for advice on my plans to replicate this natural environment.
Thanks,
Dan

[gardenofeden]

the link does not look like beach (shell derived) sand, more like quartz sand which is acidic in reaction.
the problem with pure perlite is that it will dry out quickly, which will make watering a nightmare. Many growers use perlite but mixed with other ingredients.
if you are worried about sand then do not use it, peat/perlite 50/50 works great

[dan]

Thanks for the reply ! I did not realize perlite dries out quickly as I really haven't used it much, always had good luck with pure sphagnum with my other plants. I don't have peat laying around & I want to plant this weekend, but I could throw in a handful (or two) of sphagnum, I could shred & tear it up and mix it in the growing area.

Thanks again,
Dan