Akadama and Kanuma, Sydney $20 a bag

[Bretts]

After Talking with a member today I realised that not everyone realises we are getting together to bring in a mixed Pallet of Akadama and Kanuma so I have started another thread with a heading that explains a bit more.
We are offering bag shares in a pallet at cost price of $20 a bag pick up near Parramatta if we are able to get shares in all 100 bags taken. This is a share deal with no profit involved so payment is up front
There are about 25 bags left up for grabs but not much time as members seem keen to get the order away. If we don't make the 100 bag mark I am guessing the price will go up a dollar or two per bag.
This is the high quality Hard Akadama. Not readily available in NSW especially at cost price.
Members have put there hand up for 75 bags so far is any one else interested.


Here is an article written by the distributor.

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.

The Akadama used for potting purposes is HARD Akadama; SOFT Akadama is not of any use for bonsai.

Both Akadama and 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.

HARD AKADAMA (neutral pH) Akadama can be made harder if baked in the sun.

Used for Coniferous and deciduous trees other than acid-loving plants.

Black Pine/White
Pine/Shimpaku: Akadama 7 parts, Coarse River Sand (CRS) 3 parts.
Red Pine: (1) Akadama 6 parts, CRS 2 parts, Japanese Black Soil or Coco Peat
2 parts. (Ordinary peat repels water if it dries out in the mix.)
Or: (2) Akadama 8 parts, CRS 2 parts.
Zelkova/Elms: Akadama 8 parts, CRS 2 parts.
Maples: Akadama 8 parts, Sphagnum Moss 1 part, CRS 1 part.
Australian Natives: This is currently an open field but Akadama has been used on
its own, mixed with Kanuma and/or gravel and other media to
remarkably good effect. Very strong healthy growth and good
flower production have been recorded to date.

NOTES: Sphagnum Moss should be prepared by drying and then rubbing through a
medium sieve to make even particles before adding to the mix.

If using River or Propagating Sand, sieve out the finest particles. Gravel of a
uniform/graded size could be used instead.

When repotting do not jab too hard with the chopstick as this will break the
granules down.

Large particles produce heavy root and heavy top growth while fine particles
produce fine roots and fine top growth - important for pines in particular and
any bonsai once the basic structure is established.


Following these simple instructions a perfect very open free-draining mix can be achieved - ideal for bonsai culture.



ARTHUR ROBINSON, March 2008

[Asus101]

I might talk to Leigh and see about getting a few bags to do some tests with..

[Bretts]

I was talking to Leigh today and I was wondering why you weren't knee deep in potting mix out the back. Get back to work you slack bugger.

[Asus101]

Ill be there friday. I'm pruning a large JBP with grant tomorrow if it doesnt rain.

[Jow]

Ill be there friday. I'm pruning a large JBP with grant tomorrow if it doesnt rain.

Be sure to get some pics and add them to your blog thread!

[sreeve]

Brett
On top of my Kanuma order, please put me down for 5 bags of Medium Akadama.

At least I will be able to use it on the heavy pots and not have to convince my son to help lift them.

The other benefit being that we are now up to 80 bags....

I reckon we are approaching a "last drinks" call and will need to order real soon
Regards
Steve

[Asus101]

Ill be there friday. I'm pruning a large JBP with grant tomorrow if it doesnt rain.

Be sure to get some pics and add them to your blog thread!

You will have to ask grant, I dont have a camera.

[Gumnuts]

Hi

I might grab some. How many Kgs per packet!

Also I thought akadama was clay not pumice as stated in the spiel.

I have been using maidenwell this year with encouraging signs.Is this akadama any better?

Cheers

[sreeve]

Hi Gumnuts,
In response to your questions - I dont know how heavy either Akadama is per bag, but one thing I am certain of is that its light - really light - hence my comment about using it in heavy pots.

Be it pumice or clay - its more like pumice in that its like an exploded material and is very porous.

I cant comment on any advantages of either Akadama or Kanuma compared to Maidenwell. I know Ken has had good experience with Maidenwell, but I am not sure if he has used the Japanese material. I am the complete opposite.

One thing I am sure of is that "soft" Akadama is next to useless and I would never use it again.....

The stuff that Brett is organising is hard Akadama and like the hard Kanuma I have used for a couple of years - it should be very good.

I still cant figure out why us East Coast boys have not been able to buy it from bonsai nurseries, because our West Coast friends have been buying and using it for quite a while. I think the results I have experienced are similar to the good results they have had.

The only difference is that, thanks to Brett organising a bulk deal, we will be able to get it at literally half the price I have been paying for the past few years.
Regards
Steve

[Gumnuts]

OK

Who do I pay and where and when can I pick it up?????

Thanks

[Bretts]

I will send payment details when we confirm the order. The sooner we get it organised the sooner the shipment will be on it's way.
How many bags do you want?

[techpetal]

Bretts

Thanks for all your hard work on this mate. I can't wait until we sort it out...got a few of my babies to repot soon.

I will ask my mate when he is coming to Parkes next this week toi see if its soon.

John

[Bretts]

No worries. When you mentioned your mate comming through this way I was thinking you where one of the Canberra guys so that was why I mentioned Canberra.
Home delivery would be nice out here but I will get it one way or another if that doesn't work out.
Thanks

[techpetal]

I couldn't live in Canberra mate...I moved from Tassie to get away from the cold. Canberra is colder and full of bloody politicians!

[Gumnuts]

Bretts

I will order 5 bags of Akadama (3medium and 2 fine).

From an earlier post Pup stated the the bags were about 10kgs.

Maidenwell was $20 for 40kg but it seems to have disappeared off the map.

Thanks for the effort to source this stuff

Nuts!