Kanuma - What is it

[kcpoole]

Kanuma is a type Japanese Volcanic pumice. It is slightly acidic, and is thus used as a potting medium for Azaleas, Camelias etc.
it is Quite soft to touch, and will crush quite readily between fingers.
It is a pale yellow colour and is very light weight so any trees should be Wired into the pot w3hen using it.
It is availabale in Several particle sizes from SuperFine to Large

When loaded into the pot, a course layer goes in first to cover the drain holes. Then another of smaller sized then topped with a fine layer

KANUMA & AKADAMA

These two ‘soils’ are in fact Pumice and have excellent properties for plant growth. They are light and therefore easier for pot handling, but most importantly they have the following useful properties:

They drain perfectly if prepared correctly.
They allow air to be drawn into the mix when watered.
They maintain near perfect moisture retention for plant health.
They are granular in character and aid root/nebari development.

Akadama is Neutral and Kanuma slightly Acid.
Kanuma come in 4 grades:

Large
Medium
Fine
Super Fine (used mainly for smaller bonsai such as Shohin
and Mame, and cuttings)

If the 3-layer (ie large in the bottom ⅓, medium in the middle ⅓ and fine for the top ⅓) repotting system recommended by all Japanese Bonsai Masters and Growers is adopted, the resulting growth, particularly in the second year after repotting, is strong but controllable.

The Super Fine Grades of Akadama and Kanuma can be used for cuttings, either combined with River/Propagating Sand 50/50 or on their own.


IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE

After opening the bag to make up a mix, lightly sieve the
contents to remove and collect the dust which can then be used
for making Peat Muck as is done in Japan.

After repotting, the pot should be watered copiously until the
water runs out clear from the bottom of the pot.

Kanuma and Akadama can be re-used once or twice, making them
very economical; sieve them each time and water accordingly.


MIXES

In Japan it rains for the month of June (December in Australia) and the temperature is about 30°C; July (January) and up to 35°C with about 99% humidity. These mixes have worked very well in Japan for 100 yrs or so and if used correctly achieve wonderful results.

KANUMA (acid pH)

Used principally for acid-loving bonsai - Azaleas/Rhododendrons, Camellias, etc, Satsuki in particular.

Satsuki/Azaleas: 100% (In a dry summer climate such as South or Western Australia a little Sphagnum Moss may be added.)
Orchids: Kanuma 6 parts, Leaf Mould 2 parts, River Sand 2 parts.
Indoor Plants: Kanuma 3 parts, Akadama 4 parts, Leaf Mould 3 parts.
Bulbs: Kanuma 5 parts, Akadama 2 parts, Leaf Mould 3 parts.

Ken

[kcpoole]

I have potted few trees up last evening

1st is a little Semi cascade Kurume? Azalea. White flower

[kcpoole]

A little informal upright Kurume Azalea ? Dunno what colour

Ken