AT A GLANCE
What are the characteristics of a good bonsai soil?
What soil does my bonsai need?
Your bonsai needs one structurally stable soil, which ensures the best possible supply of oxygen, nutrients and water over a long period of time. conventional potting soil is not suitable for a tree in a shallow bowl to plant. These properties characterize a good bonsai soil:
- Coarse-grained, airy structure for solid drainage (drainage), good water retention and permanent root-Ventilation.
- Reliable stability for the tree in a bonsai pot.
- Compensation for fluctuations in the pH value.
- Sufficient supply of mineral-organic nutrients.
- Ideally peat-free or peat-reduced so that the bonsai substrate does not sag, compact and root rot forms.
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Which components characterize good bonsai soil?
Good bonsai soil contains mostly mineral Components and a small humic proportion. The ten most important components for bonsai soil:
- Akadama: dried clay from volcanic ash, suitable for pure substrate for repotting.
- Pumice gravel: mineral granules from the Vulkaneifel for earth mixtures.
- expanded clay: porous pellets of baked clay for aeration and water retention.
- humus: organic substances for nutrient supply.
- Kanuma: acidic granules from Japanese volcanic rock for rhododendron bonsai.
- Kiryu: Special substrate from Japan, ideal for pine and juniper bonsai.
- Coconut soil: as a peat substitute.
- lava granules: granulated lava rock, breathable, does not rot.
- Clay: Soil mixture of clay and sand.
- Sand: for structural stability and good drainage.
Tip
Bonsai soil standard mix always fits
A standard mixture has proven to be a good introduction to the secrets of high-quality bonsai soil. The mixture consists of equal parts Akadama, lava granules and pumice gravel. If you rarely grow your bonsai due to lack of time pour, double the Akadama percentage. If your bonsai spends the summer on the balcony without rain protection, add more lava granules.
