Potting Soil For Juniper Bonsai

Peat moss humus is what retains the most water and therefore should be used sparingly.

Potting soil for juniper bonsai. It has several disadvantages it retains much water and doesn t aerate drain very well but as part of a mixture it can be used perfectly well. To go into further detail. Bonsai soil is course by design to increase drainage. It needs to be sifted before use.

Fine gravel grit helps to create a well draining and aerated bonsai soil. Organic potting compost includes peat moss perlite and sand. From left to right. A build up of salts and minerals is common too.

Things you ll need bonsai tree container root hook optional pruners akadama gravel compost water. The most common components for bonsai soil mixtures are akadama pumice lava rock organic potting compost and fine gravel grit. Conifer bark as a soil conditioner can add bulk to the mix and can retain moisture. Put simply because bonsai grow in a small volume of soil the tree will in time fill it s pot with roots.

Junipers prefer slightly acidic soil from ph 5 0 to ph 7 0. Juniper soil must be moist but well draining whatever the soil type. Soil below 7 0 is acidic and soil above 7 0 is alkaline. Although some tree species need special soil mixtures the following mixture is suitable for most trees.

Potting soil will add bulk to. This material is really used. Replacing the soil is a quick way to fix a bonsai plant s balance of ph and built up salts and chemicals. Akadama is hard baked japanese clay specifically produced for bonsai purposes and available at all online bonsai shops.

Article you might like an introduction to bonsai soil. Organic potting compost akadama pumice and lava rock. In order to maintain the tree in a healthy condition re potting will be required this may or may not involve root pruning. All of this is also true of juniper bonsai which should be planted in soil with better drainage than standard soil formulated.

Choosing the right soil mixture is crucial for the health of your trees it should be draining enough to prevent the roots from rotting while absorbing enough water to supply the tree with water. This soil is perfectly acceptable for a juniper bonsai.