Bonsai trees are quite interesting, getting fuller tree structure in a miniature form, it is nature and art at the same time. To ensure your bonsai grows properly, one of the key things to consider is the bonsai plant soil chosen. Many of the newbies tend to forget about the specific needs related to the type of soil required, but the right substrate has a bearing on the tree’s well-being, expansion, and lifespan. In this article, we will cover everything about bonsai plant soil and its types, its respective advantages, and how you can select the most appropriate mix for the particular tree.
Why is Bonsai Plant Soil Different?
Bonsai trees are small and grown in pots, so they have specific requirements for soil for bonsai plants and growing conditions. This is why the soil for bonsai tree is specifically designed and manufactured for these trees. Such small trees tend to need certain watering styles, levels of nutrients, and depth of root systems. Everyday soil tends to get compacted and retain so much water, leading to the drowning of the roots of the bonsai plants. On the other hand, bonsai akadama soil helps in good water drainage, oxygenation of the root systems, and retention of moisture, which is vital for the overall health of the tree.
Fundamental Segments of Bonsai Plant Soil
A well-balanced bonsai soil mixture typically includes a mixture of inorganic and organic components. Here’s an overview of the most common ingredients:
Akadama
This type of huge-grained Japanese soil is extremely popular among those who are into bonsai planting. Bonsai akadama soil is a type of clay that is easily moldable, so it is nice because it holds moisture and drains well. It is easy to see when fertilizer needs replacing. However, akadama soil is viewed as quite rare and it tends to be expensive, which makes it hard to find outside of Japan.
Pumice
Pumice is a lightweight, volcanic stone that adds excellent drainage and helps bonsai roots establish well. It also retains some moisture while being porous, which prevents waterlogging. Pumice is an essential component in many bonsai soil diy mixes due to its balanced properties.
Lava Rock
This rock is a porous stone and, being volcanic, it is used in most soil for bonsai plants. Like pumice rocks, it helps with drainage and aeration of roots, but unlike them, lava rock provides excellent support for the roots. Since they have rough surfaces, it quickly helps the roots expand, making it ideal for trees that are placed in shallow pots.
Organic Compost or Pine Bark
Organic materials such as compost or pine bark are used in bonsai plant soil to provide nutrients for the tree. However, too much organic matter can cause excessive moisture retention, so it’s typically added in small amounts.
Gravel
Gravel or uncultivated sand is used in soil for bonsai tree mixes for excellent drainage. It ensures that water doesn’t stagnate around the roots, which can lead to root rot. Gravel is often layered at the bottom of the bonsai pot as well.
The Role of Soil in Water Retention and Drainage
Moisture retention and drainage are essential in the cultivation of bonsai trees. If too much water is held in the mix, then the seeds are likely to drown. Too little moisture might dry out the seeds. The secret is to ensure that water is retained but excessive water is drained out.
Different species of bonsai trees have differing needs when it comes to soil. For instance:
- Tropical bonsai trees such as Ficus or Jade prefer soils with better moisture retention due to their high water needs.
- Pine or juniper bonsai trees, on the other hand, require fast-draining juniper bonsai soil to prevent excess moisture and root rot.
Customizing Your Bonsai Soil Mix
Making the perfect bonsai plant soil mixture requires understanding your bonsai species and environmental conditions. Naturally, how to make bonsai soil depends on species, climate, and watering schedule. A commonly recommended mix for deciduous trees includes 50% akadama, 25% pumice, and 25% lava rock. For coniferous trees, a 30-30-30 mix of akadama, pumice, and lava rock is often used.
Ready-Made vs. DIY Bonsai Soil Mix
While some people choose to source their materials for how to make bonsai soil at home, most choose pre-made soil for bonsai plant mixes that are available mostly online or at particular gardening shops. These mixes are pre-made, and this is very helpful for beginners since they are made with specific trees and conditions in mind.
Bonsai Soil for Different Tree Species
Ficus Bonsai Soil
Since ficus bonsai trees are characterized as tropical bonsai trees, they prefer well-aerated ficus bonsai soil that can hold water well. A mix of 40% akadama, 30% pumice, and 30% organic materials such as fibrous peat works well for ficus as it needs moisture without becoming oversaturated.
Juniper Bonsai Soil
For junipers, quick-draining juniper bonsai soil is best as they do not like soggy soil. A combination of 60% akadama, 20% pumice, and 20% lava ensures the soil does not retain too much moisture.
Pine Bonsai Soil
Well-drained and slightly acidic soils are preferred by pines. A 40% akadama, 30% pumice, and 30% lava rock mixture provides reasonable drainage while keeping the pH slightly acidic for the tree’s roots.
How to Properly Pot Your Bonsai Using Bonsai Plant Soil
- Prepare the Bonsai Pot – Ensure that your pot has drainage holes. If needed, cover the holes with a mesh screen.
- Add a Base Layer of Gravel – This promotes drainage and prevents roots from sitting in water.
- Position the Tree – Spread out the roots properly.
- Fill with Bonsai Soil – Use your DIY bonsai soil mix or pre-made mix.
- Water Thoroughly – Hydrate the roots properly.
Conclusion
The correct soil for bonsai plants is the backbone of a healthy and well-balanced tree. No matter if it is juniper bonsai soil, ficus bonsai soil, or azalea bonsai soil, the appropriate amount of akadama, pumice, lava rock, and organic matter goes a long way in enhancing root development, moisture availability, and drainage. If you adapt your bonsai soil mixture to meet the unique requirements of your tree, you’ll increase the chances of it surviving for an extended period and also looking good.
FAQs
What is bonsai soil, and why is it different from regular soil?
Bonsai soil is a special blend designed for bonsai trees, allowing for proper drainage, aeration, and moisture retention, which regular soil does not provide.
How do you make bonsai plant soil at home?
To make bonsai soil diy, mix akadama, pumice, lava rock, and organic compost in specific ratios depending on the tree species.
How often should bonsai plant soil be replaced?
Bonsai soil should be replaced every 2-3 years, or when it starts to break down and loses its drainage properties.