Will_Heath

Color me stupid, color me paranoid, color me inexperienced.

As I have stated in the other dirt thread, I find it hard to believe that here in the 21st century, with all the technologic advances, science, aquiculture and horticulture achievements, that there is not yet a basic bonsai soil mix that uses readily available ingredients. This mix once stated could be amended with more or less of the ingredients to account for climates and species needs.

Is this because of some well kept secrets? Because of masters not wanting to share the basest knowledge? Jealousy? Greed? Gluttony? Pride? Vanity? Or is this just a right of initiation that all are forced to go though?

Honestly, could not lava rock, fir bark, and turface be mixed in differing amounts serve 90% of all bonsai soil needs? The other 10% being acid loving plants which would need a addition of one other ingredient.

Think to yourselves, is there not a few simple ingredients that are readily available that could be combined in various combinations that would serve 90% of all growers? This problem is not difficult, in fact I am surprised that not one experienced bonsaist has put it forth. The lack of such a basic soil chart/system leads me to the conspiracy theory.

Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.


Will Heath

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