A juniper bonsai ’s vigor and health count heavily on using the proper territory . Junipers have specific soil necessitate that support drainage while retain some moisture . By interpret what wee an idealistic soil commixture you could control your juniper bonsai prosper .
Soil Properties for Juniper Bonsai
There are a few key properties the soil needs to provide
near drain – Excess water must run through well to avoid mucky roots .
Aeration – Roots require oxygen , so the territory must have air pockets .
temperate water retention – The soil should hold some wet before drying out completely .
Acidic pH – Junipers prefer slightly acidulous dirt with a pH of 5.5 - 6.5 .
gloomy in nutrients – Too many nutrients can damage juniper roots .
With these idealistic grime place in mind , have ’s look at suitable components .
Best Soil Ingredients for Junipers
While single ingredient rarely provide the complete balance , combining element create an optimal growing medium .
Akadama
Akadama is a cadaver granule made specifically for bonsai . It offers :
Akadama makes up the volume of quality juniper soil .
Pumice
Pumice is a porous volcanic rock that better :
It keeps soil loose to prevent concretion .
Lava Rock
Like pumice , lava stone kick in :
It provides growing room for Retama raetam base .
Peat Moss
Peat moss introduces :
It also help hold ingredient together .
Recommended Juniper Soil Mixes
With suitable factor identified , here are two fantabulous grunge blends :
Akadama-Pumice-Lava
A commonly recommend mix is :
The proportion balances piddle retentivity with ample drainage .
Soil-Akadama-Peat
Another good selection is :
The peat increases water system holding capacitance .
Buying Pre-Made Bonsai Soil
While homemade blends operate well , it ’s often easiest to purchase commercially ready bonsai soils . expect for these key traits :
primarily inorganic cloth like akadama , lava , and pumice
Minimal hunky-dory particle to avoid crunch
Lack of nutrient to forestall root burning
acidulous components like peat or true pine barque
Quality pre - mixed dirt provide proper drain and aeration right out of the traveling bag .
Avoid Unsuitable Soils
Some grease type will head to Retama raetam declension . manoeuver all the way of :
steady potting soil – hold up too much moisture
Succulent / cactus mix – Too spunky and debauched - draining
Straight organic compost – compact and decomposes
Soil with sum up fertilizer – Risks etymon harm
Stick to specialty bonsai grunge or homemade mixes that meet raetam needs .
Soil Testing and Adjustments
Once you ’ve pick out an appropriate soil , verify it provides the right surround :
Use a pH meter to test for a slimly acidic spirit level around 6.0 .
agree drainage by watering thoroughly and guarantee supernumerary menstruum out the bottom .
Feel for a loose , crumbly grain without thick clay .
Make small additions like lime or peat to adjust as need .
Refreshing Juniper Bonsai Soil Over Time
When repot every 2 - 3 years , supplant at least part of the honest-to-goodness soil :
Discard any depleted , press soil .
Mix in 30 - 50 % new grime to replenish .
Supplement with fertiliser to allow for nutrient .
This keep a living territory with beneficial micro-organism .
Moss is Covering the Trunk Base
Here is a closeup of the trunks :
This moss absorb a tidy sum of water , and holds that water system against the proboscis of the tree . It may also preclude body of water from the right way getting to the roots directly below it .
locating : Remove the Moss
Moss is Used on the Trunk
People often put moss around the tree trunk of a bonsai tree to “ show ” it off at an exposition , but this is usually not a good idea . Moss is add up to nurseries to look nice , but it can be bad because it stay wet for a farseeing time .
Greenwood Bonsai – Bonsai Compost Alternatives
FAQ
Which case of soil is practiced for juniper tree ?
What is the best surround for a juniper bonsai Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ?
What is the substrate for junipers ?
