I have been using a 50/50 pro mix HP and sifted pine bark mix. It is getting a little expensive. Can I use cedar mulch instead of pine bark? I can get that on bulk.

I have used cedar with no issues, what is your source given its hard to find here.

I have a retail garden center right next to me, but I will prob get it wholesale in orangeburg NY as I do a lot of work in that area.

what are you using this soil mix for? for starting the cuttings, or grown tree after 1st year? if you are using it for cuttings in cups or 1 gal pots, you can go with 50/50 perlite and peat moss. or perlite and seedling soil. if this is larger tree beyond 1st year, you have ton of options. 5:1:1 pine bark fine, perlite and peat moss works fine.

I start in moss then transfer to 4x4x9" pots. With your up -pot mix I wold think I would want to add lime. Also there are no nutrients so I guess you are adding fertilizer. With the 50/50 mix of cedar and pro mix hp as a potting soil even in larger pots, what do you think, still good idea?

for first soil after the cuttings have rooted, i use MG perlite and MG seedling soil at 50/50. they both have some fertilizer in them. i do not add lime until they are moved to 1 gal. i also start fertilizing once they are in 1 gal.

for the larger pot, i have heard lot of people using lot of different things. it's what ever works for you. i have been using modified 5:1:1. that's pine bark fine:perlite:peat moss. but instead of pine bark fine, i use something called nature's own. this thing is 50:50 pine bark fine and compost. it's working for me.

i have seen people using straight MG potting soil. some say they come with fungus gnat. some say they are the best. i have seen some using premiun potting soils. others using "gritty mix". the  basic idea is to use something that will not have water sitting around. the media should hold water but not to a point it will drawn and choke the roots. pine bark fine and perlite will let the water drain, while compost and peat moss will hold them. if they are mixed right, there will be breathing space for the roots to get oxygen while peat moss and compost will be holding water to provide moisture.

maybe i'm wrong, but i heard cedar will prevent plant growth?