Newbie's 1st soil mix attempt - Need Help!

PatArizona

Oh...something else...

Pumice works just as well ...for me...as lava rock I do, however, like lava better...for looks.

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
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.

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mastajason

sorry to be a pain, but where can i find this pumice you all speak of?

PatArizona

I've seen Pumice at Home Depot, Walmart, Ace Hardware, and numerous local nurseries...also, on a number of bonsai web sites...

Good luck...

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
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.

Graydon

Here is a source. I use this brand in all of my soil mixes. Yes it costs more than anything you can find at Home Depot but it is good stuff.

Looking for a cheaper alternative? Try calling feed stores or nurseries and asking for agricultural pumice. Would be less than the link I provided but they may not ship.

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mastajason

hey pat,


where in walmart have you found it? i checked lawn/garden and the pets supplies areas, couldnt find anything. i didnt ask i guess, but you know the typical walmart employee (sorry if any of you work there)

PatArizona

G'day Jason...

I've found it in WalMarts nursery area...

However, Horticultual Pumice, for WalMart, Home Depot, Lowe's, nurserys, Ace Hardware, Feed Stores...whatever...IF THEY CARRY IT AT ALL...would be found where you would find potting mix and other soil products. Most any of these could order it for you if they don't carry it.

A supplier that does serve Michigan is Sun Gro Horticultual, web - sungrow.com, or email - contactus@sungro.com. There is, or was, a retailer in Houghton (NM Mi), Erickson Feed and Seed - 906-482-7071.

Also, Gray's suggestion is a good one, but, it would cost me about $20 shipping, maybe more for you.

Hope this helps...

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
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.

watchndsky

I may take a beating for this, but has anyone here had experience with Brussels Bonsai soil?

Perhaps I am too inexperienced to tell the difference, but my plants seem to do very well in that mix. Anything I have that is in a pot is in that mix, everything in the ground is in a mix with 50/50 potting soil and shredded pine bark. Everything just grows like crazy.

I know there are varying opinions on soil mixtures so go ahead and rip me a new one - I can take it!!

jeremy_norbury

The proof is the healthy vigorous growth. I have no experience of Brussels Bonsai soil, but if you have good growth then it works...

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rockm

"I may take a beating for this, but has anyone here had experience with Brussels Bonsai soil? Perhaps I am too inexperienced to tell the difference, but my plants seem to do very well in that mix."

The issue with prepared bonsai soil is that if you have alot of bonsai, you can't afford to use it. Anyone with more than five or six medium-sized bonsai would spend $100 bucks in soil-not to metion the huge shipping bill-at repotting time.

Those of us with dozens, or even five--trees, have to find a more economical alternative. Some folks just like making their own soil.

The prepared mix you're using probably cost about $25 for 100 lbs--or less-- to make in bulk. The larger the batch, the cheaper it becomes. If you buy components by the ton, you get a better price. What are you paying--$19 for a 20 lb bag--plus about the same in shipping. That's pretty steep. I can make 200 lbs of soil for the same money from components I have locally.

That's the trade off, prepared soil by most reputable bonsai nurseries is terrific--if you have only a few smaller trees.

I have 25 trees, all with pots that hold GALLONS of soil. The biggest holds about 10-12 gallons or so. The smallest pots hold about a gallon. I would go broke buying prepared soil for the trees.