Soils
The right substrate for bonsai is as important as the air for the tree to breathe. At our centre in Libčany, we know that ordinary houseplant soil is unsuitable for bonsai because it holds too much water, it clumps and the roots cannot breathe. Above all, a good bonsai substrate must be permeable, airy and stable. At e-bonsai.cz we offer proven mixes and pure Japanese soil that we have used ourselves in growing our ten thousand trees.
Why choose bonsai soil from the specialists in Libčany?
- We offer a wide range of products from universal mixes to professional Japanese soils such as Akadama, Kiryu or Kanuma.
- We keep all our bonsai substrates in stock in different fractions (grain sizes) to suit your bowl size and the needs of your particular tree.
- With every purchase, we recommend that you also select the appropriate bonsai fertilizer to enrich the substrate with the necessary minerals.
Which bonsai substrate to choose and how to mix it?
The right bonsai soil should match the type of tree:
- For conifers , we recommend a more permeable component with a higher percentage of Kiryu.
- Deciduous trees benefit from Akadama, which is better at managing moisture.
If you are wondering
how to mix a substrate for bonsai, a basic rule of thumb for beginners is a combination of Akadama and a high quality peat component
in a 2:1 ratio. For advanced growers, we then use pure Akadama, which allows maximum control over nutrition and watering. Don't forget a good quality bonsai wire to secure the tree in the new substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Akadama and why use it?
Akadama is a Japanese crushed and fired clay that is considered the standard among bonsai enthusiasts. Its main advantage is that it holds moisture and nutrients very well, yet remains airy and never shrinks.
It is recommended for most deciduous and indoor bonsai.
How do I know when it's time for repotting and new soil?
You can usually tell when watering when the water stops seeping and just runs down the surface to the edges of the pot. This means that the roots have completely filled the space and the original
bonsai potting medium is exhausted.
We recommend repotting in spring, before the tree starts to flower.
Can I use ordinary garden soil for bonsai?
Garden
soil is not suitable
for bonsai. It compacts very quickly in a small bowl, does not allow oxygen to reach the roots, and turns into a hard clod in the summer, through which water cannot flow. For a healthy
bonsai, always choose a substrate
with a mixture of coarser sand,
perlite or
Akadama.
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