Caring for a bonsai requires potting, repotting, and repotting…
You might have some potting soil left over. Can you use it when repotting your bonsai? Good question! I don’t like to waste things either.
Well, at the risk of disappointing you, you cannot use potting soil for bonsai.
Let me explain you why.
Regular potting soil is not adapted for bonsai
Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but using potting soil for bonsai is a big no-no. You might be wondering why, so let me enlighten you. Bonsai trees have unique needs that are not met by regular potting soil.
Bonsai require a potting mix that provides good drainage, aeration, and water retention. This is important for the growth and the multiplication of the roots. This is why a proper soil for bonsai, called substrate, is made of granulates.
Potting soil, on the other hand, is more like a powder, designed to retain moisture for longer periods. Oxygen doesn’t penetrate through it. Potting mix is a soilless medium that does not contain any soil and is aimed at improving drainage.
More, potting soil often contains large particles that can prevent proper root development in bonsai trees. Same, potting soil doesn’t offer the necessary nutrients that bonsai trees require.
Bonsai soil mixes usually consist of a combination of ingredients like Akadama, pumice, and lava rock, which provide the ideal conditions for bonsai growth.
So, while it may be tempting to use potting soil for your bonsai, it’s a big NO…
Potting mix for bonsai: the best options
When it comes to choosing the best potting mix for bonsai, there are a few options that stand out.
Firstly, akadama, a type of clay soil from Japan, is highly recommended as it provides excellent drainage and aeration for the bonsai roots.
It also retains moisture well while allowing excess water to freely drain away.
Kanuma substrate is a type of soil that is specifically designed for acid-loving plants, such as azaleas and rhododendrons. It is made from decomposed volcanic ash, which gives it excellent water retention properties while still allowing for proper drainage.
Kiryu substrate is sligthly acid. It is a mix of various soil especially used to grow pine trees. It helps to anchor the bonsai tree securely in the pot, preventing it from tilting or being uprooted during windy conditions.
Keep in mind that those bonsai potting substrate do not contain the essential nutrients to grow a bonsai. Those need to be added through a proper fertilization.
See also
Conclusion
To conclude, don’t bother using potting soil for your bonsai. Bonsai trees require a specific type of soil that is designed to meet their unique needs, then a proper fertilization.
Potting soil, on the other hand, is generally too dense and heavy, lacking the necessary drainage and aeration properties. Your bonsay will rapidly decay.
To the wise…
