Bonsai Tree Soil – The KEY to Growing Healthy Bonsai

Bonsai tree soil is probably one of the most important factors in whether your Bonsai trees thrive or struggle.  Those who are masters of the art of Bonsai have known for years the benefits that professional Bonsai soil gives to their trees. 

Too many times those new to the art of Bonsai will make the mistake of using commercial potting soil to plant their trees.  Unlike a common houseplant, Bonsai trees require a free-draining type of soil as their roots will not tolerate having “wet feet”.  Potting and top soils can remain wet for many weeks and, over time, compacts down cutting off the air, water and nutrient supply to the root system and ultimately killing your Bonsai.

Special Bonsai Tree soil is comprised of a mixture of ingredients which allows water to freely drain while at the same time retains moisture.  Additionally, the soil allows the roots to breathe air and prevents soil compaction.  Essentially, it is like a time release capsule releasing water, nutrients and air over a period of time to your Bonsai.  A good Bonsai soil profile consists of approximately 25% water, 25% air and 50% solid particulate matter. 

There are two basic types of Bonsai tree soil:  a Conifer Bonsai Soil mix and a Tropical/Sub-Tropical Bonsai Soil mix.  Make sure that before you add any soil to your pot that you cover the drainage holes at the bottom with screening to prevent any of the soil from washing out of the pot.  When repotting your Bonsai it is best to use the soil mixture in its dry state.

For your convenience I have listed below some essential Bonsai tree soils and screens to help you choose the correct one for your particular tree.

Bonsai Conifer Soil Mix – 2 lbs.Conifer Mix Bonsai Soil. Blend of ingredients appropriate for potting conifers.

Tropical/Subtropical Mix Bonsai Soil – 2 lbs.Blend of ingredients appropriate for potting tropical and sub-tropical species. Packaged in 2 lb. bags.

B. Drainage Hole CoversB. Fiberglass drainage hole covers. Used to prevent soil from washing out of the container. Approximately 1″ square Package of 12, 2.95

Professional Bonsai Soil – 2 lbs.Those who practice the fine art of bonsai have known for years the very special qualities that professional bonsai soil imparts to soil mixes. Its unique properties help provide free passage of air and water to root systems while significantly reducing soil compaction. This unique bonsai soil is produced by expanding and vitrifying selected shale in a rotary kiln at temperatures in excess of 2000 degrees F. This process makes the soil sterile and environmentally inert. It is a natural non-toxic, highly absorbtive ceramic granule with a generally neutral PH. It is dimensionally stable and will not degrade like other amending products. There is no need for it to be re-applied year after year. A good bonsai soil profile is approximately 25% water, 25% air and 50% solid particulate matter. However, when soils are compacted, an imbalance occurs. Solid particles are pressed together, and water and air are squeezed out. With less pore space, soils become too dense for the movement of air, water and nutrients, and the favorable environment for the beneficial microbial activity necessary in a healthy growing medium, is lost. Our professional bonsai soil absorbs excess water during rain or watering, then slowly releases this excess water as the soil dries acting in effect like a time release capsule. Use as a blend with your soil mix or by itself.

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