Ingredients for soil mix in Perth

[shai]

I am an absolute noob. Looking at trying my hand on Bonsai. I have been reading up and watching you tube and have a small Bougainvillea plant which I will be starting off with. I am at a loss where to get ingredients for soil mix in Perth. Apart from potting mix and coco pit which bunnings has, the drainage component seems to be an issue.

I would like around the 4mm mark but scoria the smallest I can see is 10mm. Blue metal by the sounds of it is pretty heavy though I think I can get it at 5mm. Akadama, kanuma seem to be about as easy to get as unicorns. Diatomite and Zeolite also seems unavailable in Perth. Could anyone point me in the right direction please. I did PM pups who seems to be a veteran but didnt get any response. Would appreciate any pointers.

I intend to use 50% of whatever drainage material I can find, 25% each coco pit and potting mix and start off in a training pot with root pruning then wiring after a few days

[BirchMan]

Hi Shai

There's a hydroponics store in Canning Vale that has pumice - big bags for $40. 295 Warton Road. Sizes 1-4mm and 4-10mm

From experience and chatting to others pumice is the best drainage component readily available to us in Perth.

Cheers
Birchman

[shai]

Thanks for the reply Birchman. Much appreciated

[badabing888]

you can get akadama from peter odin at bonsai emporium in different sizes in swan valley.

I’ve been wanting to try pumice, as from a few discussions i’ve had it doesnt stay as “wet” in winter in perth and drains more freely.

How are people finding akadama vs pumice?

[kcpoole]

I have sent bags of my own "Ken's Mix" to Perth recently for a customer, so if want to try out a small amount, PM me for details

Dianne from Wandering Star Trailers is my Stockist in perth of Akadama and Kanuma an I know has both in stock
116 Briggs st, Welshpool, W.A. 6106
0449261883 or 08 9362 6996

I can also send a box ( I put 2 bag in a box of 25Kg)and send to just about anywhere in Oz for $30 Delivery.
See my local stockists here
http://akadama.com.au/?q=node/3


Ken

[Pup]

Have now answered you.

[kcpoole]

Have now answered you.

I assume that us by PM?
Why not post the details here for all to benefit

Ken

[shai]

Thanks a lot everyone for replying. Ken I am sure your mix is great but instead of a a readymade mix I just want to try and play around with a few things so that I gain the basic knowledge even though I am sure I will end up killing some trees in the process. Here is pup's reply so that any one searching up this thread in the future can benefit from the info

"Both the components you need are available though the Bonsai society also Lees Bonsai world in Bedford has bonsai mix ready made and Bonsai Emporium on upper swan has what you need."

[Pup]

The Bonsai Society has the as we call it Carnarvon river sand the president of the club sells Akadama, Lee's Bonsai world in Bedford sells pre mixed bags of the standard WA mix, they are in Bedford, Bonsai Emporium in upper swan has all these ingredients.

There ya go Ken.