Bonsai Soil Mix

[The Specimen]

Hi everyone,

I did a little research on Bonsai Soil Mix and to cut things short, Kitty Litter (fired clay that does not decompose) is highly recommended then you simply add what you need that is suitable to the tree.

I went searching everywhere today for this kitty litter including the pet stores though to find fired clay kitty litter is very difficult (for me today)

Can I ask what mix people use that serves their plant well and is good general usage?

Cheers

[Marone]

I'm also very curious as to a 'gerneral mix' that I can start with and add to.

Jesse.

[chipper5]

I live in Sydney and use 30% good quality potting mix combined with 30% coarse grit (eg small river pebbles) and 30% composted bark fines. This seems to work well for all my plants as a general mix. Although I do alter this slightly for conifers/figs etc which prefer a more open free draining mix, or minis which need a finer mix. When re-potting I mix in a small amount of slow release fertilizer and add to this during the year as required. I know of people who add more grit in the form of Perlite or Zeolite (excellent for big heavy Bonsai as its so light weight) and their bonsai also do extremely well. Hope this gives you some ideas.

Chipper5

[chiah]

I mix in zeolite and perlite with great results. Perlite is great for large trees as it is so light.

Coarse sand + organic + zeolite + perlite for me.

Use to be completely non organic but haven't got the time needed with such a mix to look after them as they need.

Obviously I go coarser for conifers etc.

I too mix in slow release fertiliser and in the growing season liquid fertilise sometimes twice a week.

FWIW

cheers