bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - soil question

Nice tree. You sure it's a Red Cedar, not just plain old juniper?

I would use a little bit leaner mix in a big grow box for this one--I'd use a 60/40 inorganic/organic mix or even a little leaner. Drainage is an issue with junipers. Soggy soil doesn't do them any good. I'd also use a fired clay or pumice, instead of perlite for the inorganic.

I'd stay away from treated wood for the grow box, especially the wood meant for decks, which can be treated with arsenic. Instead, look for a plastic nursery container on the huge side, like 30-40 gallons...

4-Feb-2007	#2
rockm bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Oct-2003 Location: Fairfax, Va Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 4,561	Nice tree. You sure it's a Red Cedar, not just plain old juniper? I would use a little bit leaner mix in a big grow box for this one--I'd use a 60/40 inorganic/organic mix or even a little leaner. Drainage is an issue with junipers. Soggy soil doesn't do them any good. I'd also use a fired clay or pumice, instead of perlite for the inorganic. I'd stay away from treated wood for the grow box, especially the wood meant for decks, which can be treated with arsenic. Instead, look for a plastic nursery container on the huge side, like 30-40 gallons...