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Bonsai Soil Question For Everyone!
Howdy!
I have a question for everybody. As a point of curiosity I was wondering what you the members of this wonderful forum use for bonsai soil? Do you buy it pre mixed? Mix your own? Any what are the ingredients of the soil that you use?
To start this off here are the ingredients that I use:
Hydite
Turface
Pine Bark/Fir Bark
Peat (small amount sometimes)
The ratio of each is different of course depending on the type of tree, but these ingredients are what I normally use with the exception of some experiments using only Turface.
Don't be shy! Tell everyone what you use. It is never to late for any of us to learn something new!
Have a GREAT LONG WEEKEND EVERYBODY!
Ciao!
Bonsaimark
I have a question for everybody. As a point of curiosity I was wondering what you the members of this wonderful forum use for bonsai soil? Do you buy it pre mixed? Mix your own? Any what are the ingredients of the soil that you use?
To start this off here are the ingredients that I use:
Hydite
Turface
Pine Bark/Fir Bark
Peat (small amount sometimes)
The ratio of each is different of course depending on the type of tree, but these ingredients are what I normally use with the exception of some experiments using only Turface.
Don't be shy! Tell everyone what you use. It is never to late for any of us to learn something new!
Have a GREAT LONG WEEKEND EVERYBODY!
Ciao!
Bonsaimark
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Answers (2)
Votes: +2
I like to use the same ingredients as well but I add in some coarse river sand.
Votes: +2
Mark,
Have you ever tried growing a bonsai in Turface only and what was your experience? I tried growing an oriental ficus on turface only soil and it's doing well after 2 yrs, but the soil is hardening so i'm curious to know if you've tried and if you'd recommend it.
Have you ever tried growing a bonsai in Turface only and what was your experience? I tried growing an oriental ficus on turface only soil and it's doing well after 2 yrs, but the soil is hardening so i'm curious to know if you've tried and if you'd recommend it.
Comment by BonsaiMark on September 17, 2009Ashley
The trees I have grown in straight Turface have done very well. I have done both tropical and deciduous species and after 2 to 3 years the trees look fine and are healthy.
The hardening you mention I suspect is caused by bits of organic matter from fertilizer use bonding to the turface, as well as in the lower portions of the pot the small feeder roots attaching to the turface in essence binding things together. I don't think this is cause for to much concern. YET. Time will tell of course if there are any long term issues with using straight Turface.
As a side note I have used Turface as a rooting medium for cuttings with decent results....
The trees I have grown in straight Turface have done very well. I have done both tropical and deciduous species and after 2 to 3 years the trees look fine and are healthy.
The hardening you mention I suspect is caused by bits of organic matter from fertilizer use bonding to the turface, as well as in the lower portions of the pot the small feeder roots attaching to the turface in essence binding things together. I don't think this is cause for to much concern. YET. Time will tell of course if there are any long term issues with using straight Turface.
As a side note I have used Turface as a rooting medium for cuttings with decent results....
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Coarse river sand is a great ingrediant for bonsai soil in general with the added bonus that is doesn't break down like others items will.
Bonsaimark