Using Akadama and Kanuma

[Bretts]

I was just about to repot a JBP and thought I should wait until I can use my akadama
In the mean time I thought it was a good time to start discussing how we are going to use it.
Here are the details that Arthur gave us for it's use

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

And here is a little added info from Susie who works with Arthur

I just want to pass on a little knowledge that I have, regarding the use of Akadama and Kanuma.



Please listen to how Arthur instructs you to use it. I have heard some bad stories that result from the improper use of it, from supposed experts. By all means experiment with different mixes, but follow Arthur's two golden rules:

1) Lightly sieve Akadama/Kanuma (if you over sieve it, you will end up with a pile of dust) and

2) After you have re-potted your tree - give it thorough watering - there are two reasons for this a) you are getting rid of all the remaining dust (so you don't clog up the bottom of your pot) and b) it ensures all the soil has been thoroughly soaked - if you want to see what I mean carry out the following experiment. In a clear well draining container (similar to a large plastic pot), fill with medium (in this experiment sizes does not matter) Kanuma, and water as you normally would - don't cheat. Then have a look at the sides of the container, you will see pockets of Kanuma that has not been wet.



Anyway enough from me, let us know how it goes - I wish you all the best with the shipment.



Susie

I found the same thing happening with a clear pot that I have fig cuttings in. It has alot of fine zeolite on the surface but It has made me wonder if all soil does the same? Anyway food for thought.

[Bretts]

Anyway my first question is JBP is 7 parts akadama and 3 parts coarse river sand.

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

I have started to get intrested in sand as a potting medium. While chatting with Dennis McDermott about his potting medium he suggested at the School of Bonsai Summit. I found he uses sand(not gravel) and sifted potting mix and swears by it. Then just recently old Don Burke was on TV suggesting that people add sand to thier potting mixes and it will give it structure and make it last 10 years with the right care. He stated sand but the dust must be removed.

Now this mix calls for coarse river sand and I believe this to be more like Dennis and Don suggest and not like the 2-5mm gravel I use at the moment.

My question is how do you get 1mm sand without the dust? I guess it is propagating sand but I only find that in small bags at the hardware any ideas how to wash the dust out of sand?

[kcpoole]

I have an old Aluminium fly Screen door whch I used to Seive my sand in / on

Pour the sand on it and Wash thouroughly to rinse off the small particles. Collect them in a tray and you have your Sand smaller than 1 mm and washed at the same time

Ken

[Bretts]

I just checked my fly screen to my smallest sieve grade I have. The fly screen looks a little smaller compared to my sieve but it looks more like fibre than metal. The sieve measures 2-3 mm largest is diagonal.
I will check the fly wire at the hardware and see how small I can get. When I bought my sieve I was asked what sizes I was after. Feeling stupid all I could say was just the standard sizes. So I guess there will be a smaller grade than what I have.
Thanks

[techpetal]

Thanks for the repost of the info Bretts,

I have previously gone to Bunnings and bought fibreglass flyscreen to use but I believe you can get stainless screen mesh that is sold as security mesh.

I have used the fibreglass mesh and stole a spring cake tin from the wifes kitchen. Works a treat!

Going to find some security mesh for a super fine sieve.

Tech

[Pup]

I have the Japanese style sieve with 3 sizes of screen. I still use fly screen to sift the superfine size, and the others. So I get the dust as Robbo suggest for making muck.
Have fun tomorrow guys Pup

[kcpoole]

The screen I use is Aluminium mesh and is about 1mm square. It was what was on the door.

Works good

[Bretts]

That's a dam fine sifter KC
I bought some fine fibre fly wire today and will make one up but I don't think it will be as good as that
They did have a sample of the security mesh stuff that would have been excellent and lasted forever but they are not even sure if they can still get that and a full sheet would have been way expensive. As they don't have it anymore they gave me the sample so I know what I am after.
I will have to make sure mine has mesh under it like yours KC for added strength.

[kcpoole]

check the council clean ups for old screen / security doors. that was where I found this one.
Old demolishion sites, Second hand building materials. your next door neighbours when they are not home

In fact I think I have the other half under the house you can have if you want, but is pulled apart in pieces.

Keep your eyes open and you willl see one somewhere someday. Usually the day after you go and buy one

[Bretts]

Keep your eyes open and you willl see one somewhere someday. Usually the day after you go and buy one

Aint that the way.

If you can drag it out tomorrow and take it to Stevens that would be great thanks KC. I am very lucky to have Petra bring may bags over for me I hope she doesn't mind if that goes on the ute as well

[stymie]

I am inclined to smile condescendingly after reading this thread. Since I changed to the two brands of cat litter that I use as planting medium, I no longer have to sieve because there is no dust. I don't have to bake it because it is already baked hard. The interstices allow the roots to breathe as well as absorb moisture and the amount of moisture retention is absolutely perfect. I don't have the hassle of mixing because I use it 100% for the majority of my trees. The exception being the Satsukis which get an indeterminate amount of Kanuma added. Percentages don't seem to matter. The correct types of cat litter don't collapse into an airless modge after a time like Akadama. Research on the availability of similar products around the world has been largely carried out by my countryman Harry Harrington. Yes, he includes Australia. At re-potting time, the trees are lifted from the pot, gently shaken and the cat litter drops off for re-use. There is no combing out of roots so damage is minimalised. It is, of course, completely inert so feeding is necessary but this can be controlled at every stage. You will probably find some other interesting material on Harry's site which I list below:-
http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm
Did I mention that I like cat litter for growing my bonsai in? Its time saving, money saving and altogether the easiest and best medium.
There now I've let the secret slip out.

[kcpoole]

Hi Stymie
That was the original page I found when on my inert medium journey

I use Maidenwell and am going to do a test back to back with other mediums to answer the question

Ken

[kcpoole]

Keep your eyes open and you willl see one somewhere someday. Usually the day after you go and buy one

Aint that the way.

If you can drag it out tomorrow and take it to Stevens that would be great thanks KC. I am very lucky to have Petra bring may bags over for me I hope she doesn't mind if that goes on the ute as well

I have a length of Alum Screen and 2 rails about 4 ft long I will send to you if Petra does not mind. Should be enough to make a screen about 2 ft square

Already in the ute mate so will leave with your bags

[Hutch11]

Hi all,

It seems like a fair bit of research has been done in regards to using cat litter as a mix. It is even mentioned to be 'superior' to Akadama. Has anyone else trialled any cat litters that they could make comment on? What Australian brands is anyone using?

It seems to me like a 'better' and 'cheaper' alternative!

Thoughts?

[Bretts]

Thanks heaps KC and Petra

We have been trying maidenwell and other kitty litter type products for a while now and we finally get to compare them to Akadama.
I found chandlers kitty litter from Woolies was pretty good but does start to break down after a couple of years. I now think that the aquatic potting medium that I was using from Bunnings is also Diatomite. Diatomite is most probably going to be our best local medium. I think zeolite will continue to be of great use as well. I got some bags of it for our pool filter with a few extra in case it was any good for bonsai. I reckon the size they use for pool filters would be perfect as a sand mixture. It will be very intresting to compare all these with Akadama.

I just thought of one I would love to try next year Many would have seen the advert for chabasi a zeolite advertised in bonsai focus. Water Pall has been quoted as saying it is better than Akadama. It looks like a cross between our zeolite and scorio. Oh thats a good piont I will be using scorio as a replacement for any mixes that ask for lava.