Bonsai Soil Recipe, Tips and Guide

In addition to good water retention and great drainage, your bonsai soil to have a range of nutrients that the tree will need. You will need to know how much water retention is needed with your particular species of tree. Each species needs different nutrients and soil settings.

Pines and Juniper trees, for example, can tolerate a lot less water than other similar species. The Bougainvillea, citrus, apples and other fruit and flower trees will need a lot more water than the average species. The fruit and flower trees will need more water and the branches and leaf systems will also need additional fertilizer individually in order to be successful. These species also take in moisture more quickly.

Both inorganic and organic matter will make up bonsai soil. You should also see a number of inorganic materials, including clay, granite, ash and more to help with drainage and supply moisture to the roots of the species. Clay is a great water retainer (which is why you frequently see clay pots in nurseries) and they can provide excellent water drainage and assistance when small pieces are embedded in the soil. In addition, ash or volcanic rock can help regulate the water and supply nutrients as well to the trees.

Organic components will be made up of plant and animal material, providing phosphates, nitrogen and more vital materials. If you mix up the two types of soil (organic and inorganic) you will see the most success. Make sure you have the right ratio relevant to the species and climate. You can add more grit if your soil needs more drainage. If you have not done this before or don’t have any specific guidelines, start out with an equal mix of peat and grit for starters.

Grit will typically provide great drainage and is made up or crushed granite or flint. On the other hand, moss peat is a sponge-like material that is great for aeration and supplying additional nutrients to the tree. If you have composted bark or leaf mold, you will see this as a substitute for the peat moss.

Different proportions of the mixture will depend on the species that you are working with. If you have a Pine or Juniper, you will have more inorganic material to have less water retention. The proportions will change as much as 3 parts to 1 part. If the base of the pot has gravel, then the exact ratio will be less important.

Akadema is the white Japanese clay that is used in fine-quality inorganic material, frequently used by expert bonsai artists. This material, however, is tougher to find in the U.S. and in the U.K. Seramis is used as a substitute in these countries. When all else fails, standard orange clay can be used as well, which can be beneficial for its additional bonus of a color change when the soil becomes more dry.

Keep in mind that all of the elements must be balanced when maintaining a bonsai because they are all dependent upon the other.

         

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