bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - Soil and repotting frustrations

Hi Joanie, I am in a debating mood, I have to disagree a bit here. I think way to much is made out of soil. The roll of soil in bonsai is to support and anchor the tree. It should be free draining yet hold some moisture. It has little or no nutrients in it. The organic component is more for increased moisture retention then anything else. Working with pine i have very little or no organics where wisteria I use mostly organics. I think the real issue has to do with watering and feeding then it does soil. Differing climates will require variations in soil content based on heat and evaporation rates or a change in the timing and rate of watering. Soil is soil, as long as it maintains a balanced moisture level.

1-Apr-2006	#3
bonsaimaniac bonsaiTALK Expert Join Date: Dec-2004 Location: Portland, OR Country: USA USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 167	Hi Joanie, I am in a debating mood, I have to disagree a bit here. I think way to much is made out of soil. The roll of soil in bonsai is to support and anchor the tree. It should be free draining yet hold some moisture. It has little or no nutrients in it. The organic component is more for increased moisture retention then anything else. Working with pine i have very little or no organics where wisteria I use mostly organics. I think the real issue has to do with watering and feeding then it does soil. Differing climates will require variations in soil content based on heat and evaporation rates or a change in the timing and rate of watering. Soil is soil, as long as it maintains a balanced moisture level.