In your post of this question on the other forums I linked you to the 2 FAQs that answer your questions. Or you can just click on the blue FAQ button at the top of this forum's page. Dave

Hi Barb, If you do a search here for Semps you will be presented with all kinds of information on container types and soil mixes, etc. The Cacti & Succulents forum has bunches of info as well. I have semps growing in regular garden soil wedged between rocks (in my open garden) and well drained soil containing very little organic matter in my alpine troughs. Consider where they grow in the wild, it's pretty tough out there! Lean and mean seems to be the way to go, and good drainage is really important, so make sure you have drainage holes in your containers. Semps don't like wet feet. I am by far no expert but that's what works for me. Hope this helps. -GardenChicken Here is a link that might be useful: check here for some soil info

Use the brand you prefer. Some bags will say "for seed sowing" or something similar on them. Stay away from bags of soil that say weed-free as they may contain chemicals to prevent germination of weed seeds in that soil. Those chemicals will also prevent the germination of sown seeds. You may reuse potting soil or seed sowing mix after it has been sterilized. Put the sowing medium into a flat and dowse it thoroughly with boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature before sowing your seeds.

I don't think they use dirt but rather sphagnum moss. Any vine should grow thru it as long as the sphagnum moss is kept moist. Look here for info on how to rebuild http://www.hort.cornell.edu/livingsculpture/pdf/sphagnum_topiary.pdf