pre mixed bonsai soil - bunnings

[billa]

Hi gang!

A few days ago I bought some bonsai soil from bunnings. I got home opened it and it was very moist already!!...to the point where if I squeezed a bunch in my hand watery mud would build up and start to drip..

I know its not normal as all other times I buy it - its dry.

What I want to know is...is it OK to use? I reported an elm with this wet mix and when I finished, I watered as usual but it took such a long time to be absorbed and trickle down through the drainage holes....

What's your two bob?

Thanks

[mugen]

Have used it in the past found it holds toO much water IMO I would add a lot of grit to open the mix up a bit.

[MoGanic]

I dont disagree Mugen, the stuff is okay for younger seedlings as a temporary home, but you'd much rather just get some good soil and leave it in there.

[FatMingsBonsai]

OK, to use but make sure you get them well in the pockets of the roots tree.

Personally, I would have waited until they dried out a bit

[Hackimoto]

Can I ask what brand it is please? If it is what I think, I will give you the run down on my experience with it.

[adge0001]

I once made the mistake of buying soil from bunnings labelled for Bonsai. It stated it was "high quality" soil. I was confused why it retained so much water and read the fineprint and to my surprise found it contained "soil wetter". I just threw the rest onto the garden instead.

[MoGanic]

As far as I know Bunnings only stocks Osmocote bonsai soil? The stuff really isn't ideal.

[Andrew F]

Ive bought, i think, brunning bonsai mix, it was basically potting mix with water retention crystals, cost me around 7 dollars.

Didnt use it.

[Olivecrazy]

Ive read somewhere that most places that have bonsai mix like bunnings etc is not worth it and have been told that a potting mix for cactus would be far better choice will have to check out the cactus mix to see what its like one day

[paddles]

I like the Debco bonsai mix, but it's getting hard to get a hold of...

[cre8ivbonsai]

Bu$$ing generally store most of their bagged potting mix outside on pallets, even those that are eventually sold inside, therefore in winter you will generally get wet mix, especially if they are replenishing shelf more regularly.

I used to use the Debco Bonsai mix from bu$$ings, however now make my own mix using various available media.

The reasons I moved away from Debco mix is 1. too fine (ungraded), and therefore 2. doesn't drain easily, and as such 3. holds too much water especially in winter.

It is "OK" as a product for people requiring an affordable pre-mixed product, and those starting in their bonsai journey. However, everyone has their own climates, conditions and opinion on soils/substrates that work for them - and these are to be respected as such.

But, for my money (and bonsai), I suggest researching composing your on mix that works for you. Search for variations on Boon's mix, substituting for locally available ingredients.

Bu$$ings also used to stock a Amgrow pre-mix product as well, at the time I found this inferior in quality and price to the Debco version.

Just my experience and opinion, Good Luck.

Ryan

[billa]

Can I ask what brand it is please? If it is what I think, I will give you the run down on my experience with it.

Yes absolutely....

Well the bunnings near my house used to stock the white BEBCO packet...now they have changed it to the yellow Osmocote one.

So the soil in questions is the Yellow bag of Osmocote professional Bonsai mix.

Would love to hear your story!!

[billa]

I like the Debco bonsai mix, but it's getting hard to get a hold of...

Yes definitely true...maybe it is a discontinued product? I must find out and let you know

[Waltron]

I dont disagree Mugen, the stuff is okay for younger seedlings as a temporary home, but you'd much rather just get some good soil and leave it in there.

I agree.

[billa]

Thank you all for your input... i was getting worried that maybe it could have harmed my tree...but I guess the weather and how it is stored plays a part in the moisture I found present in the bag (and all the fine print about the soil wetting crystals )

Well this has brought me to something new and exciting - think il take the next step and start researching about making my own mix!! I just love any excuse to start doing anything bonsai

Thanks gang