first soil

scott13

i am just startin out would a 50/50 mix of peat moss and perlite be ok to start out
Thanks

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Globalist1789

In a large, deep container that the tree will only be spending 1-2 years in, then I would say yes. in a bonsai pot I would say no. In a shallow bonsai pot the perlite will make it's way to the top and the peat will clog-up the bottom very quickly.

What kind of tree? What other materials do you have/can get easily?

scott13

i was thinking a juniper nana if i can find one as my first i have been reading and reading just cant understand the soil mixed

Thanks

Globalist1789

Where are you getting the tree?

Soil does seem to be more complicated then it needs to be. The simplest thing to do is grab a bag of ready made soil from a bonsai shop. There is also the option of using orchid bark that can be bought just about anywhere. Aquarium gravel mixed with any conifer bark product you can find will be great. My larger pots are filled with bark mulch and perlite. My smaller ones are filled mostly with akadama and perhaps some bark and pea gravel.

In small containers avoid perlite. Mix something up and use it. By next repotting time you will know if you like it or not.

But, more to the point... if you don't have the tree yet, you won't need to (i.e. you shouldn't) repot until next spring.

scott13

thank you i was looking at the garden store today and was trying to find a tree i can start my first one on

Thank you

PatArizona

G'day Scott...

If you're just starting to do bonsai...do it the right way...

Find a local club and join it...

Find a beginners class and take it.

Then, talk to "locals"...those who are doing bonsai in your geographical area.

These three steps should help to get you off on the right track.

Enjoy bonsai...

Pat

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

Ronny

for me i use orchid bark and something called schultz aqua soild. it seems to work really good for me.

malik

Instead of perlite I would use turface or pine bark...in fact I would skip everything else and just mix turface and pinebark

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scott13

thanks all i hope to get stared real soon again thanks for all the help