| Wee Trees Bonsai Help Forum Advice for all http://www.weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/ |
|
| Re-potting http://www.weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=13977 |
Page 1 of 1 |
| Author: | Jason L [ 30 Aug 2015, 10:22 ] |
| Post subject: | Re-potting |
Hi all Quick question from a novice. If you re-pot a bonsai with Akadama soil is it best to use all Akadama soil or is it better to mix it with another type of soil? If so what do you recommend. Enjoying my Bonsais, started with a Chinese elm which seems to be doing well. I also have a lovely pistachio & what I think is a Chinese privet. They could all do with a little haircut. Is it ok to give them a trim this time of year? I've attached some bamboo to a fence panel & found some nice pieces of slate which I've stood the bonsai on. I'm really pleased with how it looks. Will hopefully get some pictures up soon. Regards Jason |
|
| Author: | stymie [ 30 Aug 2015, 14:06 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Re-potting |
I have personally only used Akadama for temporary top dressing so am not qualified to answer that. I will not use it as a growing medium. Trimming to shape can be done at almost any time although the removal of large branches is best done when there is little or no growth going on. This reduces the possibility of bleeding. |
|
| Author: | NickB [ 30 Aug 2015, 15:01 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Re-potting |
Akadama has a reputation for breaking down over time, so many avoid it. I have never used it personally. |
|
| Author: | Sven [ 30 Aug 2015, 16:48 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Re-potting |
Hi Jason, I used Akadama for my first three re-pottings, thinking this was the 'premier' medium. I mixed a small amount of grit and compost in (say 15% of each). One of the trees was a Chinese Elm. After a slow start, these trees have thrived this year. However, when attempting to slip pot one of these trees last week, the Acadama had already broken down into semi-mud. Not really ideal. Based on advice on this forum, since my early attempts I've used Moler (cat litter), mixed with varying levels of organic material, and this is working very well for me. Just as well, because I have used 100+ litres this year, and cat litter is more affordable AND durable... Sven |
|
| Author: | Gary Jones [ 30 Aug 2015, 21:13 ] |
| Post subject: | Re: Re-potting |
I've used Akadama pure but usually mixed 50/50 with Kyodama which is a grit. Mine doesn't beak down (18 months so far) but I think it comes in hard and soft varieties - mine must be the hard type. Elm and Privet will have no problem in Akadama or a mix using it. I don't know anything about pistachio so can't comment. The golden rule is everyone has their own ideas on soil mixes so read around and then make up your own mind and develop your own custom mix. As a general rule the mix should be free draining to stop the roots sitting in water but also absorbent holding water in the mix so it doesn't dry out too quickly. |
|
| Page 1 of 1 | All times are UTC [ DST ] |
| Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group http://www.phpbb.com/ |
|