The guide to the perfect substrate

Can I mix bonsai soil myself?

You can mix bonsai soil yourself from 2 parts Akadama, 1 part lava granules, 1 part pumice, 1 part humus and fine-grained gravel for drainage.

Good bonsai soil is always gritty and structurally stable. Solid water retention and reliable aeration are important qualities because you only repot a bonsai every few years. The exact composition of bonsai substrate depends primarily on the tree species. A deciduous tree has different requirements as a bonsai than a conifer.

What ingredients can I use to mix bonsai soil myself?

If you mix bonsai soil yourself, you should mostly mineral use ingredients. Organic components play a minor role due to the increased risk of mold and

• Akadama: dried clay granules, structurally stable water storage, good for aeration.
• Pumice: porous, feather-light lava rock, ideal for aggregate or drainage.
• Kanuma: Granules of lava, acidic pH.
• Kiryu: special bonsai substrate for conifers.
• expanded clay: fired clay balls, germ-free, neutral, non-rotting, protects against waterlogging.
• Lava granules: granulated lava, inorganic, does not mold, does not decompose, neutral.
• Humus (optional): loam, potting soil, compost.

According to which recipe do I mix bonsai soil for a conifer?

Mix the best bonsai soil for a conifer from 1 part Kiryu, 1 part pumice and 2 parts Akadama. For a juniper or pine bonsai you can also use pure Kiryu soil. Other recommended mixes for coniferous bonsai are:

• 2 parts sand, 2 parts clay, 1 part coconut fiber.
• 1 part Akadama, 1 part expanded clay,(€19.00 at Amazon*) 1st chapter lava granules, 1 part sand.

According to which recipe do I mix bonsai soil for a deciduous tree?

Mix equal parts Akadama, Kanuma and Pumice for a premium quality bonsai substrate. You can also plant deciduous trees for acidic soil in pure Kanuma bonsai soil from specialist shops, such as hydrangea, rhododendron or azalea. Further, tried and tested Soil mixes for deciduous tree bonsai are:

• 2 parts Akadama, 1 part pumice, 1 part lava granules.
• 2 parts Akadama, 1 part hummus, 1 part fine-grain gravel.
• 1 part potting soil, 1 part coconut fiber soil, 1 part pumice.