Damon Mcknight
Bonsai trees are a beautiful addition to any home, and creating the perfect soil for them is an art in itself. There are many ways to make bonsai soil at home, and the ideal mixture depends on the species of tree, the climate, and the watering conditions. This article will discuss the basics of bonsai soil, the different substrates available, and how to create a simple bonsai soil mix at home in Australia. With the right knowledge and experimentation, anyone can become a bonsai master!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Organic or inorganic |
| Organic soil components | Dead plant matter, such as peat, leaf litter, or bark |
| Inorganic soil components | Volcanic lava, calcite, and baked/fired clays |
| Organic soil pros | Absorb more nutrients and water |
| Organic soil cons | Poor drainage and aeration |
| Inorganic soil pros | Good drainage and aeration, more control over fertilizer |
| Soil particle size | Large enough to allow tiny gaps or air pockets between each particle |
| Soil additives | Pumice, lava rock, akadama, zeolite, perlite, cat litter, fired clay, pine bark |
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What You'll Learn
Soil mixtures for different tree species
The type of soil mixture you use for your bonsai tree will depend on the species of the tree. The soil mixture must allow for good water retention, drainage, and aeration. The soil must be able to retain sufficient moisture, but also allow excess water to drain immediately to prevent root rot. The particles used in a bonsai mix should be large enough to allow for air pockets to provide oxygen to the roots and good bacteria and mycorrhizae.
For azalea bonsai, including satsuki azaleas, a simple mixture of 100% kanuma is recommended. Azalea bonsai can be grown in a variety of mixes, but they are easiest to keep healthy in kanuma. Coast redwoods, on the other hand, grow well in 30% akadama mixes but can dry out quickly. Increasing the akadama content can prevent this. For more refined coast redwood bonsai, a mix of 50-80% akadama is recommended.
For deciduous bonsai trees, a mixture of 50% akadama, 25% pumice, and 25% lava rock is ideal. Deciduous trees include maple, cherry, chestnut, cedar, cypress, and larch. For coniferous trees, a mixture of 33% akadama, 33% pumice, and 33% lava rock is recommended. Coniferous trees include pines and junipers.
If you are unable to find akadama or do not want to use it, you can use any horticultural clay or potting soil. Akadama is a hard-baked Japanese clay specifically produced for bonsai purposes and is available at many online retailers. Pumice is a soft volcanic product that absorbs water and nutrients well. Lava rock helps retain water and adds structure to the bonsai soil.
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Organic vs inorganic soil
When it comes to creating bonsai soil at home in Australia, there are two main types of soil to consider: organic and inorganic. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on various factors, including the specific bonsai species, the climate, and personal preferences.
Organic soil is made from dead plant matter such as peat, leaf litter, or bark. One of the benefits of organic soil is that it contains essential minerals and nutrients that promote plant growth. Organic soil also helps control moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent fertilisation. Additionally, organic soil mixtures can be customised to meet the specific needs of different bonsai species. For example, coarse river sand can be added to promote thicker, elongating roots, while pine bark can enhance water retention and provide a good source of organic matter. However, one of the drawbacks of organic soil is that it tends to break down over time, reducing drainage and potentially leading to root rot if not properly managed.
On the other hand, inorganic soil contains little to no organic matter and is typically made from materials such as volcanic lava, calcite, and baked/fired clays. Inorganic soil is favoured for its superior drainage and aeration properties, which are crucial for the health of bonsai trees. The structured nature of inorganic soil allows water to drain quickly and fresh air to continually enter the soil, preventing waterlogging and promoting root health. Additionally, the limited absorption capacity of inorganic soil gives growers more control over the amount of fertiliser in the soil. However, one of the downsides of inorganic soil is that it absorbs fewer nutrients and water than organic soil, which can be challenging in certain climates or for specific bonsai species.
The choice between organic and inorganic soil for bonsai is not always clear-cut, and many growers opt for a mixed approach. Some growers start with a majority of inorganic soil and gradually introduce organic components to strike a balance between drainage and nutrient retention. Others use a mixture of inorganic materials, such as lava rock or pumice, with a small amount of organic matter, such as pine bark or coco coir, to tailor the soil mixture to their specific bonsai species and local conditions. Ultimately, the decision to use organic or inorganic soil depends on various factors, and growers should be mindful of the specific needs of their bonsai trees, their local climate, and their level of experience.
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Using Akadama clay
Akadama is a naturally occurring hard-baked volcanic clay soil from Japan. It is ideal for bonsai due to its excellent drainage, aeration, and moisture retention properties. It is also suitable for cacti, succulents, orchids, and other plants that require good drainage.
When using Akadama clay for bonsai in Australia, it is important to consider the climate and the specific needs of the tree species. Akadama breaks down over time, usually within 18 months to two years, reducing aeration and drainage. Therefore, regular repotting is necessary, or Akadama should be used in a mix with well-draining soil components.
For Australian natives, Akadama can be used alone as these trees require a lot of water, and Akadama has great water retention and nutrient-holding capacity. However, as Akadama breaks down, the oxygen capacity in the substrate is reduced, so repotting every two years is recommended.
For conifers such as junipers and pines, a mix of Akadama, pumice, and zeolite is suggested. This combination provides water retention, nutrient retention, and fine root growth from the Akadama, while the pumice and zeolite do not break down, allowing conifers to remain in the bonsai pot for a longer period.
When mixing Akadama with other soil components, it is recommended to use a ratio of 30-50% Akadama, 30% pumice, and 20% lava rock or perlite for a well-draining mix. Smaller Akadama particles can be used for cacti and succulents to improve root contact. It is also important to sift and rinse Akadama before use to remove fine dust particles.
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Pumice and lava rock for water retention
Pumice is a soft volcanic rock that can absorb water and nutrients quite well. When used in a bonsai soil mix, it helps to retain water and allows the roots to ramify. Pumice is harder than Akadama, a popular clay-based bonsai soil, and supports/creates interstitial spaces when the softer Akadama breaks down. Pumice also has a significant water absorption capacity, similar to Akadama.
Lava rock is another volcanic rock that is harder than both Akadama and pumice. It helps retain water and creates a good structure when part of a bonsai substrate. Lava rock is ideal to help control moisture and improve drainage. It will help prevent soil compaction and will not break down over time. If you live somewhere with a wet climate, add more lava rock to enhance the draining qualities of your mixture.
The most common components for bonsai soil mixtures are Akadama, pumice, lava rock, organic potting compost, and fine gravel/grit. However, the mixture should be adapted to your specific circumstances and location. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to reduce the amount of water-retaining components such as Akadama and pumice. If you are unable to find lava rocks in your area, you can buy them online.
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Drainage and aeration
When it comes to drainage and aeration, there are several components that can be used in a bonsai soil mix. It is important to remember that different tree species demand different soil mixtures, so it is necessary to research the specific requirements of your tree.
Inorganic soil components such as volcanic lava, calcite, and fired clays are great for drainage and aeration. They absorb fewer nutrients and water than organic soils, allowing water to drain quickly and fresh air to continually enter the soil. A well-structured inorganic soil prevents the soil from becoming compacted, which can cause a lack of aeration and drainage, leading to root rot and eventually killing your bonsai.
Akadama, a hard-baked Japanese clay produced specifically for bonsai, is another option that provides good drainage. However, it needs to be sifted before use and starts to break down after about 18 months to two years, reducing aeration. Therefore, regular repotting is required, or Akadama should be used in a mix with other well-draining components. Pumice, a soft volcanic rock, is often used in bonsai soil mixes to help retain water and allow roots to ramify. Lava rock is another component that aids in water retention and creates a good structure when part of a bonsai substrate, providing aeration and drainage.
Other materials that can be used for drainage and aeration include zeolite, perlite, crushed leca balls, cat litter, industrial absorbers, and coarse river sand. It is important to experiment with different mixtures and adapt them to your specific circumstances, location, and tree species.
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Frequently asked questions
The bonsai soil mix should fulfil the basic principles of drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient retention capacity.
Some bonsai soil mixtures include:
- Akadama, pumice, and diatomaceous earth (DE)
- Pumice, lava rock, and pine bark
- Coarse river sand, pine bark, and perlite
- Crushed leca balls, cat litter, and industrial absorber
Different tree species demand different soil mixtures. For example, broadleaved trees move more water than conifers, so they need extra water retention. It's important to research different substrates and analyse your conditions, species, and location.
