How To Make Bonsai Potting Mix
After you have kept the organic inorganic and potting soil ready the next step is finalizing the concentration of each components.
How to make bonsai potting mix. For a deciduous bonsai the soil component that retains water e g. Sift the soil mixture through two screens to achieve a uniform texture. How to make bonsai tree soil mix watch the video to learn how to get the perfect blend for your bonsai. That said here are guidelines for two types of soil one for deciduous trees and one for conifers.
Start with the basic recipe below and then add soil sulfur to lower the ph or lime to raise the ph according to the needs of your plants. Akadama is a special kind of granular clay produced especially for potting bonsai trees. Break up any clumps. Organic potting compost includes peat moss perlite and sand.
Work the soil into the root structure so that there are no air pockets remaining between the roots. Re potting your bonsai will not keep it small. Fill the pot to the brim with your desired potting mix. Bonsai soil mix seem to confuse a lot of people starting off in bonsai.
The perfect potting mix does not contain actual soil or garden dirt. Very gritty and open yet moisture retentive. For conifers use 33 akadama 33 pumice and 33 lava rock. Decide the ratio of soil components.
It has several disadvantages it retains much water and doesn t aerate drain very well but as part of a mixture it can be used perfectly well. Instead it will supply the tree with new nutrients that it needs to grow and flourish. Mix akadama pumice and lava rock together in a ratio of 2 1 1. It is also used as a bottom layer in bonsai pots to enhance drainage a bit further.
In addition potting soil is used in the bonsai soil mix. E coco make a great bonsai potting mix. Stir the ingredients thoroughly in a container. When you do not have time to water your trees regularly choose a more water absorbing mixture use more akadama while you should choose a.
Fine gravel grit helps to create a well draining and aerated bonsai soil. 33 granular coconut shell charcoal 33 akadama small 33 pumice size 02. Here the plant type is taken into consideration. How to mix bonsai soil 1.
For deciduous bonsai trees use 50 akadama 25 pumice and 25 lava rock. Mix together two parts granite grit one part loam and two parts peat moss for a basic soil mix. It s composed of peat moss vermiculite perlite sand and shredded bark or compost. Two recipes are available.