Just as yo
u will select the type of tree to use for your Bonsai, you also need to choose the right type of soil if you want the plant to thrive. First, if you were a beginner, you can use a good quality potting soil until you become more experienced and familiarized with all theoptions. The key is making sure the potting soil can drain well and will not have a negative impact on the plant.
u will select the type of tree to use for your Bonsai, you also need to choose the right type of soil if you want the plant to thrive. First, if you were a beginner, you can use a good quality potting soil until you become more experienced and familiarized with all theoptions. The key is making sure the potting soil can drain well and will not have a negative impact on the plant.On the other hand, you can purchase specific soil mixes for Bonsai, which are generally freer draining and contain a less amount of fertilizer. You will find Bonsai soil at most nurseries or gardening centers that specialize in Bonsai growing. The other option is to make your own soil, which is an excellent option but it does require time and can cost a little more.
The best mix that would work well with all species would be to mix the following:
- One part Loam
- Two parts Sphagnum Peat Moss
- Two parts Granite Grit
KEEPING SOIL IN THE POT
You will notice that Bonsai pots have numerous, large holes in the bottom to help with drainage. While this ensures the Bonsai is not over watered, it also presents a problem of the soiling falling out of the holes.
To resolve this problem, you can take a piece of stiff plastic mesh and place it in the bottom of the pot. To help it stay in place, you would weave wire through the mesh and holes in the shape of a butterfly.
SOIL TYPES
To give you an idea of the type of soils best for Bonsai, we have listed the top choices below:
REPOTTING
Depending on the type of Bonsai you are growing, the soil will need to be repotted at certain times. Typically, experts will recommend that you report your Bonsai during the fall months. However, keep in mind that some plants and environmental factors do play into this decision.
Advantages
One of the greatest advantages to repotting during the fall is that any transpiration stress is reduced or eliminated. This time of the year offers temperatures that are cool while the soil remains warm.
Take the deciduous plants for example, most are finished with their leaves at this time of year, which means any transpiration losses are minimal and although Evergreens are still producing leaves, they too benefit from the cooler air temperatures. Additionally, with shorter days, there is less light intensity, another advantage.
By repotting in the fall, the roots can pruned and manipulated without having to deal with the tree going into shock. Roots are also very active during the fall with just the top portion of the tree becoming dormant. That means that any stored food, nutrients, and minerals are being directly to the roots. If the daytime temperatures remain at 50 degrees ore more, they will continue to grow. Since the roots need good soil for growth, fall repotting is exceptionally advantageous to the roots.
If you have a deciduous plant that is repotted a few weeks prior to the leave dropping, it will be established and settled into the soil before the cold winter months arrive. Typically, you would need about eight hours of warm temperatures during the day for this to work.
One thing to remember when repotting during the fall, your plant will need to be fed a 20/20/20 mixture. What happens is that while the nitrogen does not encourage bud break, the roots will take the food, which will help increase their activity while building a good reserve for the coming springtime.
Disadvantages
When you have roots that are not bothered during the spring and mid-summer months, they will build up a good hardiness toward cold for the fall and winter, but again, only if undisturbed. However, if you prune and repot the Bonsai in the fall, the roots will be stimulated for growth later in the season.
What then happens is the new roots are very soft and fragile, not being able to withstand the freezing temperatures very well. Several things contribute to this level of hardiness, as follows:
"Bonsai Gardening Secret"
You will notice that Bonsai pots have numerous, large holes in the bottom to help with drainage. While this ensures the Bonsai is not over watered, it also presents a problem of the soiling falling out of the holes.
To resolve this problem, you can take a piece of stiff plastic mesh and place it in the bottom of the pot. To help it stay in place, you would weave wire through the mesh and holes in the shape of a butterfly.
SOIL TYPES
To give you an idea of the type of soils best for Bonsai, we have listed the top choices below:
- Akadama – This Japanese word is broken down to “aka”, mea
ning red and “dama” being ball, or the full translation of “Red Ball”. This volcanic material is granular and a great soil option for Bonsai.
- Compost – These microorganisms have been broken down, which then
releases nitrogen and other important things needed by your Bonsai. In the final state, compost is known as humus
- Mulch – Made from organic materials such as grass clippings, bark, leav
es, hay, etc. that have been shredded, it is a nice medium for Bonsai. Typically, the favorite for Bonsai is the Pine mulch. Just be sure you run it through a screen prior to use to get consistent size.
- Peat Moss – Created from the remains of decomposed moss, thisis a
n important consideration for Bonsai in that it can hold up to 25 times its weight in water. Additionally, with a pH level of 3.0 to 4.0, it is ideal for many Bonsai plants to include Azaleas.
- Perlite – This type of soil is actually volcanic ash that has been heated. At th
is point, it expands, forming into Perlite. This soil isvery lightweight, provides excellent drainage, and does not compact. Being porous, the moisture is maintained, which is important for Bonsai.
- Pumice – This volcanic rock has bubbles, which are actually trapped gas th
at occurs while being formed. These bubblesmake a great choice for Bonsai soil in that it helps trap water and important minerals, and protects the soil from becoming compacted.
- Vermiculite – Somewhat like Perlite, this medium is created from mica thai
s exposed to heat and then expanded. Because it isgranular, porous, inert, and can hold both moisture and nutrientswell, it is great for Bonsai.
REPOTTING
Depending on the type of Bonsai you are growing, the soil will need to be repotted at certain times. Typically, experts will recommend that you report your Bonsai during the fall months. However, keep in mind that some plants and environmental factors do play into this decision.
Advantages
One of the greatest advantages to repotting during the fall is that any transpiration stress is reduced or eliminated. This time of the year offers temperatures that are cool while the soil remains warm.
Take the deciduous plants for example, most are finished with their leaves at this time of year, which means any transpiration losses are minimal and although Evergreens are still producing leaves, they too benefit from the cooler air temperatures. Additionally, with shorter days, there is less light intensity, another advantage.
By repotting in the fall, the roots can pruned and manipulated without having to deal with the tree going into shock. Roots are also very active during the fall with just the top portion of the tree becoming dormant. That means that any stored food, nutrients, and minerals are being directly to the roots. If the daytime temperatures remain at 50 degrees ore more, they will continue to grow. Since the roots need good soil for growth, fall repotting is exceptionally advantageous to the roots.
If you have a deciduous plant that is repotted a few weeks prior to the leave dropping, it will be established and settled into the soil before the cold winter months arrive. Typically, you would need about eight hours of warm temperatures during the day for this to work.
One thing to remember when repotting during the fall, your plant will need to be fed a 20/20/20 mixture. What happens is that while the nitrogen does not encourage bud break, the roots will take the food, which will help increase their activity while building a good reserve for the coming springtime.
Disadvantages
When you have roots that are not bothered during the spring and mid-summer months, they will build up a good hardiness toward cold for the fall and winter, but again, only if undisturbed. However, if you prune and repot the Bonsai in the fall, the roots will be stimulated for growth later in the season.
What then happens is the new roots are very soft and fragile, not being able to withstand the freezing temperatures very well. Several things contribute to this level of hardiness, as follows:
- Genetic Trait – To determine your plant’s genetic makeup, you will need to know what the species can tolerate. Unfortunately, very little research has been done on root hardiness.
- Freeze Damage – Two species definitely have low tolerance to freeze damage. The first is the Cotoneaster and the second is the Japanese Maple.
- Typically, woody species will tolerate freeze damage to any new roots with a soil temperature of 20 degrees or less. However, most plantsand trees used for Bonsai will have damage up to 28 degrees, although the level of damage is dependant on the specific species.
"Bonsai Gardening Secret"
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