Would anyone recommend this soil?!?!?!?!?!

JayC

Check this link

It says "good-low chloride count" and "good-low sodium count" in the analysis. Sodium Chloride is table salt, and that is one of the most dangerous things that could be present. It also says down the bottom in the box "little to no salt content" and "iron and silica levels are quiet good, making this product a suitable plant growing media".

I do not know what such an analysis would show with akadama, and if the percentages (which are given in the link) would vary much. Anybody know what the salt content of akadama is? (bit of a technical and hard to know question, but I'll give it a shot)

JayC

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PatArizona

"...To answer the question, Not very much fines at all..."

Thanks Ken...sounds like your original conclusion is close enough...good work.

And, guys...good luck in your search for the MMBSM (MythicalMagicalBonsaiSoilMix).

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.

JayC

LOL Pat i know bonsai can grow in pretty much any inert material, if watering is done to suit it. But you guys have oil dri and turface and all these other products, and they are working for you. Im just trying to find some equivalent substrate. Maybe we will have some success after some experimentation?

Inorganics are nearly unheard of around here. One of my bonsai teachers told me that what im using now has particles that are far too coarse. I have noted that they are no where near as course as what some people are using on here, and also that having particles this size means i can water everyday in summer, and fairly frequently in winter (and i love watering them). I have lost none of my trees to "drying out" (which is the danger of having particle sizes too large).

There are many advantages to inorganics, and im sure you know just about all of them

I would like a soil that doesn't break down. The "soil" can then be mixed with regular potting mix, for larger or collected trees.

Anyway, my point is im not looking for a soil that will double the growth of my trees, or make leaves a whole new vibrant green, or anything like that. Im just happy to experiment a bit and hopefully something that suits my needs will come out of it.

JayC

chrispr

I repotted AND defoliated a ficus in December. The soil it got repotted into is a composite of Diatomaceous Earth(Kitty Litter), 3mm grit and peat moss. I then plonked it in the bathroom in a south-west facing window. Hey presto luxuriant new growth. (not really bonsai, but a pretty plant never-the-less)

soltan

I hear you KC
Most bonsai enthusiest in Australia seem to use potting mix mixed with grit. I guess only half think about sifting. This were I started.
It is a big difference from what most members on here use and it is hard to use the experience of the other nations when we don't have thier materials.
It really takes a full year to try these ingredients so it can take time to find the right mix. This is only the second year that Ray Nesci has been supplying Zeolite as far as I know.
I feel I made a marked inprovment last year and I am looking forward to improving again this year.
Keep up the good work and we will see how this season shapes up.

I do believe there is a magical soil mix. There is no stopping a tree when all is right.
This has been shown with the techniques of fast growing pine seedlings in pure grit.
There are trees that survive and trees that thrive.

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BRETT AUSTRALIA ZONE 8-9?

kcpoole

I have been trying to find some Small particle Scoria and have not found anyone who has it with a size of 2- 7mm. All suppliers I have found only have Scoria in 10mm or larger.

I have emailed most I can find and they all have replied with bad news :-(
If anyone can find out where I can get Scoria in 2-7 mm Sizes or another substitute for Lava or Pumice here in these then please let me know.

I Emailed the Quarry of Zeolite to see if they have other sizes as Rays seems to be failry uniformly small at about 2 -3 mm. I asked if they had any other sizes and if they have any local Sydney suppliers, and they said they only have 1 local supplier here and that is Ray Nesci :-)
Looks like I will have to go and hassle hime to see if I can get a larger Size particle.

Soltan What is your mix made up of?

Ken

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