Technical Data Sheet - Soils

The quality of Bonsai soil is extremely important because the size of the pot is very small and the soil must ensure perfect growing conditions.(drainage, retention, and availability of water and nutrients).

One of the most important factors in a good soil mixture is its drainage; the soil grain size should always be greater than 2 mm, with dust being rejected. The soil mixture can vary depending on the climate of the cultivation area and also according to the plant species.

The balance between drainage and the organic matter is also extremely important. It is known that besides retaining nutrients and water, it is in the organic part of the soil where beneficial bacteria and fungi (Rhizospheric Microorganisms) that live in symbiosis with plants develop.

These synergies exist at the level of water and nutrient uptake and availability, and they stimulate the plant's resistance by protecting it from abiotic stress factors (fungi, bacteria, pests, and harmful agents) and biotic stress (environmental stress such as drought, excess water, frost, etc.).

Depending also on the desired objectives for the plant, when we want to accelerate the growth of a plant by fertilizing it more heavily, we can increase the soil drainage (using larger grain size), thus we will need to water more, and consequently, we can fertilize more without the risk of salinizing the soil.

Based on the components described below, we have specifically developed the following formulations for our climate:

Terra Bonsai Leafy Soils - Ideal for all species of "leaf" Bonsai, whether deciduous or evergreen, for Indoor and Outdoor (except conifers and azaleas).

Ensures the ideal retention versus drainage of water and the capacity for nutrient exchange with the plant, allowing the development of soil bacterial life.

Composed of:

Akadama

Volcanic gravel

Cocopeat

Pomice

Conifer Bonsai Soil - Suitable for all conifers and species that require excellent drainage.

The mixture of conifers is also recommended for use in plants with root problems (after root fungi) or for "intensive cultivation," as it has better drainage and dries faster, allowing for more frequent watering and fertilizing.

Composed of:

Kyriuzuna

Akadama

Volcanic gravel

Pomice

Terra Bonsai Azaleas – Recommended for Azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as all acid-loving species, this mixture can be an alternative to pure Kanuma, with the advantage of optimizing drainage, especially in the case of Azaleas, which have a very "compact" root system.

Composed of:

Kanuma

Akadama

Volcanic gravel

Cocopeat

Pomice

Brief description of the different types of components used for Bonsai substrate mixtures:

Akadama - Japanese volcanic clay (mineral) has good granulometry, nutrient retention and "exchange" capacity (Clay-Humic complex), and good drainage of excess water. Due to its physical characteristics, it does not coagulate (does not become muddy), which ensures these properties over a long period.

It has a neutral pH, is sterilized, and free of seeds and weeds.

In Japan, it is used to plant all types of leafy species (deciduous and evergreen), and it is also mixed with Kiryuzuna to increase moisture retention in some conifers (e.g., Juniperus).

Akadama is also widely used in aquaristics (planted aquariums).

Kanuma – Soil of Japanese origin (mineral) from the Kanuma area (land of azaleas in Japan), the main characteristic of Kanuma is having an acidic pH and maintaining this acidity for a long period (unlike peat, which is also acidic but becomes neutralized (alkalinized with watering)). This characteristic is due to the fact that Kanuma is acidic because of thermal demineralization, which reduces its alkalinization capacity, ensuring acidity throughout the interval between repotting.

This soil is ideal for use pure (or in a very high percentage in combination with other components) in azaleas, rhododendrons, and all species that require acidic pH.

In areas with limestone waters (such as in the South of Portugal), or when the irrigation water is alkaline, or in species that, although not acid-loving, prefer slightly acidic soils (bougainvillea, citrus, etc.), we can add a percentage (10 to 15%) to the mixture of leafy materials to facilitate nutrient uptake and prevent chlorosis (such as iron chlorosis - iron deficiency).

Kiryuzuna – Japanese volcanic-origin soil (mineral), quite hard, which reduces its capacity to retain water and nutrients compared to Akadama, making it ideal for increasing the drainage of soil mixtures and for use with conifers and species that require high drainage.

Keto- Soil of Japanese origin composed of Akadama powder and peat powder, moistened and kneaded until they have an easily moldable texture.

This soil is known for its malleability, suitable for creating landscapes, forests, and various styles of Bonsai, whenever it is necessary to fix the soil to rocks, create barriers, etc.

Volcanic Gravel - Mineral material of volcanic origin, with a neutral pH (does not alter the soil pH as occurs with all rocks of calcareous origin), low water retention (8 to 13% of its volume) and nutrients.

Ideal for combining with other components and ensuring drainage, being lighter than other types of drainage materials; its edges stimulate root division.

It can also be used on the "bottom of pots" in a thin layer to improve drainage.

Pomice - Volcanic mineral material free of limestone, resulting from the "explosive gaseous" part of the magma, with a pH of 7 - 8 and good drainage, is ideal for in bonsai substrate mixtures.

Its very porous structure makes it very lightweight, with a water retention capacity superior to that of volcanic gravel, but still very good drainage; it is suitable for use"Bottom layer of the pot" to ensure drainage.

It is used in higher percentages in pre-Bonsai and plants where high drainage is desired to increase watering (and thus a greater possibility of growth fertilization) and in Yamadori after collection to facilitate rooting and prevent fungi caused by excess moisture.

Its mineral nature makes it poor at retaining nutrients, so it should be combined with a percentage of organic matter (e.g., Coco Peat).

Sphagnum Moss - Sphagnum moss can be found hydrated (usually loose) or dehydrated (usually compacted); it is ideal for orchid cultivation, either mixed with other substrates or, in some cases, used pure.

It is also suitable for mounting orchids and making Kokedamas, whether with orchids or other plants. It is widely used in the propagation of Bonsai (and other trees or shrubs) through air layering (aerial rooting) and as a covering for the surface layer of the soil in Bonsai after transplanting, especially if roots remain exposed, to protect them during the initial adaptation period.

It indirectly stimulates the appearance of moss more quickly on the surface layer of the soil, beneath where it is spread, because its slightly acidic pH will facilitate the establishment of moss, and when removed it leaves the typical "green carpet" of moss that is highly appreciated.

Coco Peat - It is an organic component, perfect for incorporating into substrate mixtures for Bonsai, retains nutrients and moisture, and has the advantage of drying and hydrating more easily than peat or plant-based soil mixes.

Derived from coconut husk, which is calibrated to obtain a texture similar to that of peat, it is "corrected" to have the ideal pH and EC for plant cultivation. There are still excellent conditions for the development of healthy soil bacterial life (Rhizospheric Microorganisms).