Bonsai that delicate tree that lives in a tiny pot is very dependent on the quality of the soil that helps it breathe, gain nutrients and water. Without this proper mixture your tree would suffer and if not cared for properly would most likely die.
How do I know the best bonsai soil?
Soil is the primary medium in which your tree will get its air and water. Bonsai requires a more thoughtful selection of soil and soil additives in order for it to thrive more.
Actually, there’s no best bonsai soil to use. The secret comes from different brands and types of soil you use; and from your own incredible techniques in combining and mixing soil until you’re satisfied with the results. In fact, the bonsai tree soil and its additives will determine the health of your bonsai’s roots. Moreover, determining an effective bonsai soil is extremely important if you want your bonsai to flourish. A good bonsai soil mixture is made up in such a way that any water added to the soil drains out quickly, and prevents the roots of your bonsai from washing out.
What do I need to make bonsai soil?
If you wish to make a bonsai soil at home, you will need a loam, sphagnum peat moss, and granite grit. This mixture can give you a good blend for your bonsai tree. To prevent damage roots, make sure that the water is drained completely.
There are some complete potting soils available which includes Akadama, Fujiyama Potting Medium, and Kanuma. The additives or components to make a complete potting medium are zeolite, river sands. Pine bark, peat moss, grit, and calcined clay.
Akadama is also known as red clay soil. This type is widely available and is manufactured in Japan. It is graded by particle size whether it’s fine, very fine and standard. It contains no organic matter and the granules retain their structure for years and are able to drain and hold sufficient water. Moreover, Akadama is best suited to high summer rainfall and moderately cold temperatures in winter. This type of soil prevents water-logging and freezing.
Fujiyama is best used as a wetting agent and very useful for all bonsai plants.
Kanuma in Japanese is ‘dirt’, and is dug up from 10 feet below. It is named after the region in Japan. This soil is ideal for acid-loving plant like Azalea, Gardenia and Camellias.
Kiryu is a Japanese imported mixture which is made up of clay and pumice. This mixture is deal for plants which require extra drainage like pine trees and evergreens. Kiryu is also mixed with normal oil for it allows air circulation.
Kyodama is a traditional volcanic grit and is often mixed with other soils. This soil holds moisture, and has a neutral ph.
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Choosing the right bonsai soil is a very important factor if you want to have a healthy bonsai plant. Bonsai is a plant that has undergone special cultivation process to make it appears small. Bonsai plants actually are the same as their bigger versions, but the roots are pruned regularly so they will only grow to a certain small size.