A good substitute for akadama , which is a case of bonsai soil commonly used in Japan , can be alternative ground mixing . These mixes can provide similar benefits and feature to akadama , provide for healthy maturation and maturation of pre - bonsai plants .

One alternative soil admixture that I often use for my pre - bonsai is 100 % perlite . Perlite is a lightweight volcanic tilt that is processed and expanded to make a poriferous and well - draining soil culture medium . It helps to keep on wet while also allowing excess H2O to run out off , preventing waterlogged ancestor . Perlite also provides safe aeration to the roots , which is important for sound flora outgrowth . I have recover that using 100 % perlite as a soil mix can be peculiarly suitable for plants that ask excellent drainage , such as succulents and cacti .

Another alternative soil mix that I have had success with is 100 % scoria , also bed as lava careen . Scoria is a porous volcanic rock that provides first-class drainage and aeration to the roots . It is lightweight and does not demote down easy , making it a long - last soil amendment . I have used 100 % dross as a soil mixing for pre - bonsai that demand a well - drained soil , such as junipers and pines . The plants have thrived in this mix , as it allows for optimal source wellness by keep waterlogged conditions .

In addition to these single - constituent ground mixes , I have also experiment with blends that commingle different materials . One such mix is a combination of 60 - 80 % pumice with the residual being an organic - rich mulch or barque . pumice stone is a volcanic rock that is lightweight , holey , and provides well drain . By tot up an constitutive component , such as barque or mulch , to the mix , it helps to meliorate water holding and nutrient availability . This portmanteau has work well for a potpourri of pre - bonsai plants , providing a balanced grease mixture that raise level-headed root ontogeny .

Personal Experience : I have personally used these substitute soil mixes in my bonsai exercise and have seen positive results . When I started bonsai , I struggled to find akadama in my arena , so I had to try out with different land options . These alternative mixes allow for a suitable replacement for akadama and allowed my pre - bonsai works to thrive .

If you are ineffective to obtain or use akadama for your pre - bonsai , there are substitute soil mixes that can be used . These include 100 % perlite or 100 % slag for plants that postulate excellent drain , and a blend of pumice stone with an organic - rich mulch or bark for a balanced mix . These alternatives render exchangeable benefits to akadama , promote goodly root increment and overall plant life growing . Experimentation and observe the right mix for your specific plant specie is essential , as different industrial plant have deviate soil requirements .

Caroline Bates