Which mix to use?

[cre8ivbonsai]

I recently I acquired a bag of Akadama and, having not used this product before, I'm hoping for some input from those of you that have

Do you use this as a stand alone product, or should I mix into my regular mix (Debco Bonsai mix 2/3 + Maidenwell Diatomite 1/3 + small amount of fine gravel)?

The two candidates; 1st mature Juniper (viewtopic.php?f=25&t=8771 ), and 2nd is a Leptospermum petersonii. I understand both are able to still be repotted at this time of year .

Thanks, Ryan

[kcpoole]

I think a standard Akadama mix was 4/5 Akadama, 1/5 decomposed granite

Ken

[Scott Roxburgh]

I use a range of proportions but mainly, 50% Akadama, 50% Pumice...
Check this link out:
http://bonsaikc.com/bonsai-basics/bonsai-soil/

...and search for Boon Mix on Google.

The mix that I use contain only Inorganic material, you could include the diatomite if you wished, or can not find Pumice.

My Pumice supplier:
http://www.australianperlite.com/pumice/horticulture/

If you want more info let me know.

[Gareth]

Hi Scott,

What size pumice do you use, and do you use scoria?

gareth

[Scott Roxburgh]

Depends what trees - 2-4mm for maples, deciduous etc
4-7 for pine etc

I have use the 4-10mm size and 2-7mm size available from ausperl.

The 4-10mm has some smaller than 4mm, but no dust/sand. I tried the 2-7 this time, but has lots of sand, I prefer the 4-10mm.

I don't use scoria/lava, because I cant find it freely available in a good size 10mm is about the smallest I've found. If i could find it i would use it.

As I have mentioned, I have also used one part Diatomite also.

[cre8ivbonsai]

Thanks Ken, and especially Scott for your responses. I'm going to try and find some Pumice though I fear it may be hard to come by down here as small batch retail (any suggestions for types of alternative retailers, apart from garden centers ?)
I would like to try Boon's Mix, however, as an alternative, I do have a small amount of diatomite and a source for medium (about 7-10mm from memory) scoria. Also is crush brick ok too?

Thanks again, Ryan