Ever wondered why Bonsai trees are not planted in a normal potting mix, but a coarser type ? Three reasons, one to provide good drainage and secondly to allow the mix to stay open and have plenty of oxygen in it, stopping the soil from going sour. And thirdly, the coarser mix encourages root development.
So to successfully grow healthy Bonsai trees you require a few special qualities in a potting mix. Specialist Bonsai soils are available, we outline the qualities to look for in a Potting Mix for Bonsai.
Pre preprepared soils can be purchased from specialist nurseries. Bonsai Clubs and societies are a great source of information on Bonsai Soil Requirements.
Simple Bonsai Potting Mix Recipe
This is perhaps an over simplification as the inert material may in fact be a combination of 2 or 3 types of crushed rock or similar material. However you will get the point, excellent drainage and good aeration.
- 3 Parts Crushed inert rock, such as granite, quartz, scoria, gravel or products such as Diatomite or Akadama
- 1 Part Coco Peat or very fine pine bark
Bonsai Soil Requirements
- Bonsai are grown in small pots with very shallow soil and require a specialist potting mix to do well.
- They require good drainage and potting mix that is well aerated to promote root growth.
- A simple home made potting mix would be 4 parts normal good quality potting mix and 1 part small stones or very course washed sand.
We suggest a good commercial bonsai mix from a specialist bonsai nursery or through your local bonsai club.
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