Juniper mix

[senseijames]

Hey peoples, the subject of a soil mix for Junipers has probably already been discussed, but being only new here, I missed it, so, what is the general opinions on a good mix for Junipers, My past mix was 2 parts Deco granite, 1 part old powdered cow poop and 1 part composted bark, and added some blood & bone on re-potting, i find if you mix blood & bone into the mix early and leave it sit for a long period, the mix goes moldy, so i add it as I am about to re-pot the tree. Also.... Reiannon was asking earlier on Jamies post on "Watering" about different mixes for different trees.
What do we have to say ??
James

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi James,
Junipers are responsive to plenty of water during the growing season, but appreciate good drainage year round. Your mix of Decomposed granite, cow manure and composted bark may be a bit heavy and too fine to allow adequate drainage. I am currently using by volume 50% 2-7mm Maidenwell Diatomite, 10% 5mm scoria, 10% 1/4 minus and 30% pine bark potting mix which I sift extremely well to remove all of the fine particles. My Junipers are allowed full sun and wind exposure year round and are frozen and snowed on in winter and baked on hot windy days during summer without a worry. I find that it is nearly impossible to everwater during the growing season using this mix.

Cheers,
Mojo

[dayne]

i use 70% debco bonsai mix (designed by leong knows his junipers) 30% diatomite some spagnum mixed in fine i wouldnt use any blood n bone or any manure to the mix i recon fert should be added not grown in it it dosnt drain its heavy dosnt breath and if your plants not well you cant adjust fert its in there for good i actually dont use blood n bone or manure full stop on junipers i mix it up between osmocote pots and planters slow release miracle grow through autumn and winter with a dash of added pot ash and a higher nitrogen during summer and spring

[archie1979]

Hey All,
I use nearly 100% diatomite, well not really

its about an 80 20 mix with the debco mix and I feed alot and fert regularly.

Hope that helps

Archie

[Ash Barns]

I use the Debco mix with granite and a little finely chopped sphagnum. Emphasis on the sphagnum.

[Kigawa]

Junipers like lime, so you can add 1 teaspoon of dolomite lime/garden lime per medium bonsai pot. Some people also add charcoal.

[senseijames]

Hi James,
Junipers are responsive to plenty of water during the growing season, but appreciate good drainage year round. Your mix of Decomposed granite, cow manure and composted bark may be a bit heavy and too fine to allow adequate drainage. I am currently using by volume 50% 2-7mm Maidenwell Diatomite, 10% 5mm scoria, 10% 1/4 minus and 30% pine bark potting mix which I sift extremely well to remove all of the fine particles. My Junipers are allowed full sun and wind exposure year round and are frozen and snowed on in winter and baked on hot windy days during summer without a worry. I find that it is nearly impossible to everwater during the growing season using this mix.

Cheers,
Mojo

G'day Mojo, thanks for the comments, I should have explained that the Decomposed Granite is sieved fairly coarse, not sandy at all, I have also changed my Bonsai's position to full sun for the first time in years, usually under 50% s'cloth.
Cheers
James

[senseijames]

Hey thanks all, for the comments and advice, question !! doesn't Debco mix already have bark and fertilizer added but, I have bought some recently and find it stays moist for long periods.
Cheers
James