Menu
EUR

How to use the different types of bonsai substrates

The right bonsai soil and mix are of great importance for the health and growth of a bonsai. Here are some reasons why:

  • Drainage and Water Absorption: A good bonsai substrate should provide adequate drainage to prevent water from remaining in the soil for too long, which can lead to root rot and other health problems.
  • Nutrition: Bonsai trees have specific nutritional needs and the right substrate can help meet these needs. For example, some bonsai substrates, such as akadama, can add nutrients to the soil.
  • Aeration: A good bonsai substrate should also provide enough aeration to help the roots breathe and prevent them from suffocating.
  • Stability: A bonsai needs to be sturdy in the pot, and the right bonsai substrate can provide this by providing adequate support.
  • Shelf life: Some bonsai substrates, such as soil, can quickly acidify or become depleted. A good bonsai substrate will last longer and promote consistent growth.
  • By using the right bonsai substrates, you can ensure that your bonsai stays healthy.

Akadama

Akadama is a type of soil that is widely used in bonsai cultivation. It is a volcanic clay soil that is well drained and has a high mineral content. To use akadama in bonsai, mix it with other soil components such as pumice or lava rock to create a well-draining bonsai soil mix. The ratio of akadama to other components depends on the specific type of bonsai tree you are growing. It is important to note that Akadama breaks down over time and needs to be replaced or replenished periodically.
Akadama is a type of soil that is widely used in bonsai cultivation. To use it, mix it with other soil components, such as pumice or lava rock, in a ratio of about 70% akadama to 30% other components. This mixture provides good drainage and the ability to retain moisture, which is important for bonsai trees. When repotting a bonsai tree, make sure to carefully remove the old soil and trim the roots before repotting the new akadama mixture. Be sure to water the tree well after repotting.

Kanuma

Kanuma soil is a type of soil widely used in bonsai cultivation, especially for acid-loving species such as azaleas, camellias and other ericaceous plants. It is a lightweight sandy soil with very low nutrient content and a low pH of around 4-5.
Kanuma soil is a soil extracted from the Kanuma region of Japan, it is a volcanic soil mainly composed of volcanic ash, pumice and peat moss. Its characteristics include good drainage and the ability to retain moisture, which is important for bonsai trees. It also has a high cation exchange capacity, meaning it can hold nutrients and make them available for the plant to absorb.
It is important to note that Kanuma soil is not a substitute for all types of bonsai, it is mainly used for acid loving plants as it will change the acidity of the soil if mixed with another type of soil. It is important to match the soil to the plant species and not to overuse it, as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not mixed with other soil components.

Kanuma is a type of soil that is widely used in bonsai cultivation, especially for acid-loving species such as azaleas and camellias. It is a lightweight, sandy soil with a very low nutrient content, making it ideal for bonsai as it provides excellent drainage and makes it easier to prune the roots when repotting. To mix kanuma into bonsai soil, it is recommended for most species to mix it with other soil components such as Akadama or other soil with a neutral pH such as pumice, lava rock or expanded clay, at a ratio of about 30-50% kanuma to 50 -70% other components. It is also important to keep in mind that Kanuma is a soil with a very low pH (around 4-5) and it is important not to mix it with another component with a higher pH such as garden soil as this will increase the acidity will change. from the bottom. When repotting a bonsai tree that needs an acidic soil, make sure to carefully remove the old soil and trim the roots before repotting the new kanuma mixture and water the tree well after repotting.

Kiryu

Kiryu soil is a type of soil widely used in bonsai cultivation, especially for acid-loving species such as azaleas and camellias. It is a soil extracted from the Kiryu region of Japan, it is a volcanic soil mainly composed of volcanic ash, pumice and peat moss. Like Kanuma soil, it has a very low pH of around 4-5 and is similar in properties and characteristics, such as good drainage and the ability to retain moisture, which is important for bonsai trees. It also has a high cation exchange capacity, meaning it can hold nutrients and make them available for the plant to absorb.
It is important to note that Kiryu soil is not a substitute for all types of bonsai, it is mainly used for acid loving plants as it will change the soil acidity if mixed with another type of soil. It is important to match the soil to the plant species and not to overuse it, as it can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not mixed with other soil components.
It is also worth noting that Kiryu Earth is not used as much as Kanuma Earth, but is similar in properties and characteristics, so it can be used in the same way as Kanuma Earth. However, Kiryu's texture and structure is much more closed ground, with lower absorbency and weight than Kanuma.
Of all types of soil, Kiryu absorbs the least amount of water. So very suitable for Bonsai trees that need little water, such as Pinuses.

Pumice stone or bims

Pumice or bims is a type of volcanic rock often used in bonsai soil mixes. It is appreciated for its porous and light structure, which ensures good water drainage and air circulation around the roots of bonsai trees. Pumice is also pH neutral and will not decay over time, making it an ideal ingredient for bonsai soil. When used in a bonsai soil mix, pumice helps to prevent soil compaction and provides ample support for the roots, allowing the tree to thrive. It is often combined with other materials, such as akadama, lava rock and bark, to create a well-draining, nutrient-rich growing medium for bonsai trees.

Choose your language
Choose your currency

Recently added

Total incl. tax
€0,00
0
Compare
Start comparison

This product has been added to your cart
Please accept cookies to help us improve this website Is this OK? Yes No More on cookies »