Tried and true (?) soil components

kompik

I've been reading that there are basically three components to bonsai soil (organic matter, inorganic filler, and water-holding material) typically in a ratio of 2:2:1. In each of these categories, which haved you found the most sucess with or which is the easiest to find and use?

Organic Matter: peat moss or composted pine bark

Inorganic Filler: coarse sand (swimming pool filter sand), chicken grit, turface (?), perlite, or uncoated aquarium gravel

Water-Holding Material: compost, peat moss, untreated kitty litter, crushed brick, or vermiculite

Also, if the organic matter also qualifies as water-holding material, why would I want to use both?

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Kompik:

These questions are also good. Try the Evergreen Site for anwers to these too.

Will_Heath

Most organic matter is in fact water-holding material. There is actually no such thing as a filler for bonsai soil, if it doesn't have a purpose, it shouldn't be used.

A base mix that I use contains three ingredients.
1/3 Lava rock This is porous and hold some water however because of the irregularly shape and sharp edges it creates pockets to hold the much needed air and helps the roots divide and creates the fine feeder roots that the tree needs.
1/3 turface holds water well and doesn't break down easily.
1/3 fir bark organic matter that also holds water while supplying some nutrients when it breaks down.

All these ingredients are sifted well and sorted to size, remember if your particle sizes are not uniform, you are defeating the purpose.

For my figs I use 50% lava and 50% bark. For my pines and other dry loving trees I use less water holding material and for my deciduous and other wet loving trees I use more.

Here are some links to other threads here on this subject.


http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...hlight=soil+mix


And here's Brent's excellent article...

Will

kompik

Thanks for the info! By the way, what exactly is "turface"? Is that a brand name? Where would I find some? (Keep in mind that nurseries and gardening shops in my area don't cater to bonsai.)

Will_Heath

Turface was hard for me to find also. I ended up visiting a few local parks and golf courses to inquire on where they purchased thier supplies from. I was given the name of a company that sells wholesale to local landscapers and such, they carried Turface and the MVP type. The best thing to do is pick up the phone book and make some calls. Keep in mind that most smaller local nurseries would be happy to order you some if you ask.

The best source would be your local bonsai club, members there should know of a source. If all else fails you can order bags online but shipping is expensive.


Will

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Think Schultz Soil Conditioner. Available almost everywhere and a decent sustitute.

With hunting, Turface can be found in larger (pellet) sizes than the above.

Ralph

As an option to "turface" you can look for Expanded shale, haydite, or high fired clay soil conditioners. I use a branded product made locally called Designer Dirt that is an expanded shale product, very hard, rough and irregular. This thread talks a little more about it:
http://forum.bonsaitalk.com/showthr...t=designer+dirt
It is possible that there may be a company close to you that makes a similar product. You should fill in the details of where you are located, and your USDA zone, so that local people on this forum can help you.
Have you contacted your local bonsai club yet? Those folks will be able to tell you where to get everything, what tools to start out with, what trees grow best in your locale, how to mix your soil components for your local conditions, etc.

__________________
Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

kompik

Updated my info. Sadly the nearest (and only one in the state) Bonsai clud is in Cincinnati...and I rarely find myself there (2 hours south of Columbus). Still, might be worth checking with them.

Bart Thomas(deceased)

Send a Private Message to Dale Cochoy. He may be able to put you in touch with a nearer club.

Note: Dale will be on the road this weekend, so you may not get an answer until next week