Bonsai Soil Part Two

Bonsai soil is a mixture of inorganic and organic material.  Inorganic properties and elements, such as clay, granite, ash and lots more besides help regulate drainage and supply essential nutrients.

Another excellent water retainer is Clay, as is obvious from the existence of Bonsai clay pots. It performs a similar service, to a lesser degree, when small pieces are distributed throughout the Bonsai soil.  Ash or even ground volcanic rock, will help by not only regulating water, but also supplying some needed nitrogen too.

Organic elements are made up of decomposed plant and animal matter, which provide nitrogen, phosphates and a host of other vital Bonsai nutrients.

Mixing these two basic types together in the correct ratio creates the Bonsai soil ready for a given species and climate. By adding relatively more sand or grit, for example, easy drainage is increased. In the absence of more detailed guidelines, and as a general rule of thumb, a 50:50 mixture of grit and peat is a good starting point.

Grit, usually a mixture of crushed granite or flint, provides superb drainage whereas peat, typically moss peat, provides a springy earth compound, making for good aeration and supplying much needed Bonsai nutrients. Leaf mold or composted bark is sometimes used as a suitable substitute for peat moss.

Proportions will vary depending on Bonsai species. Bonsai Pine trees and Bonsai Juniper tress, as noted, should have more inorganic material to provide less water retention. Often the percentages change to as much as 75:25. Provided the base of the pot contains a layer of gravel or grit to keep the water hole from being plugged, the proper ratio isn't too critical.

Akadama, a white Japanese clay, is the most commonly used fine-quality inorganic material used by expert bonsai artists throughout Japan. But it can be hard to obtain in the US and UK.  Seramis is often used as an alternative.  This more standard, orange-coloured, clay is a good substitute to use. It has the added advantage that its colour will change ever so  slightly as the moisture content varies.  This gives a good visual aid to determine whether your Bonsai soil is too dry.

When preparing Bonsai soil, keep in mind that all the elements of proper bonsai care are interrelated. Proper Bonsai soil mixtures vary with watering requirement and are dependent on local climate conditions, and several other factor, even including air pollution content. Consider your Bonsai trees individual circumstances carefully and react accordingly.

If you intend to invest the time, dedication and effort to growing a bonsai tree - which will obviously require more care than ordinary plants - Bonsai soil is the last place you want to skimp on money or preparation.   Bonsai soil quality is often a literal life or death alternative for your bonsai tree.
 

Bonsai Soil - All You Need To Know Part 1