AusBonsai

I have been wondering for some time now as to why Bonsai potting mix is so coarse etc. I understand one aspect of it is so that the roots don't stay to moist and begin to rot. What I would like to know is if normal, everyday run of the mill potting mix can be used for Bonsai? Standard potting mix compared to bonsai potting mix holds more moisture and nutrients in it, so can it be used?

Cheers - Craig.

Oxygen!!! If you need to grow seedlings bigger and fatter , maybe. Once put in a bonsai pot and you want to refine a tree no. You just need to water and feed more dilligently. There is heaps written on the topic that you can research.

I have a few small trees in normal potting mix in bigger pots to get a bit more growth on them at the moment, all my bonsai are in bonsai potting mix though.

Love this site, learning something new everyday. Thank you.

Craig.a.c wrote:I have a few small trees in normal potting mix in bigger pots to get a bit more growth on them at the moment, all my bonsai are in bonsai potting mix though.

Love this site, learning something new everyday. Thank you.

Just remember i use the word maybe, i wouldnt do that. the trees i grow on are still relatively course mixes, mixed by my self. ex. 50% aussie native potting mix, + 25% medium diatamite, +25% scoria 5-7mm. This is just one mix i use.

I think the gritty mixes also encourage the development of the fine feeder roots, so although you can use normal potting mix in growboxes etc, good to change over to bonsai mix a year or so before it is ready for bonsai pot.

the problem with standard potting mix is over time it suffers from compaction because we water every day usually it becomes wet and heavy so the soil sinks take an old pot and try to stick your finger in it its hard take fresh bonsai mix its easy so the key is to keep it light and fluffy this helps oxygen levels in the soil and makes it easy for new fine roots to push through where as old compacted potting mix is a constant struggle for the plant to push through and if it cant it wont so not as many fine roots
ants mix has the diatomite and scoria to help with drainige and to keep it light and airated which is a good mix
but the the thing is to find one that suits you and your area
i use 50/50 diatomite to debco bonsai soil but i allso sift my soil to refine it more as up here we get a lot of moisture and humidity my tough trees that are fast growers now go in allmost 100% diatomite

This is a very interesting and important article,

http://bonsaiwonders-art.blogspot.com/2 ... ayers.html

Paul