What Makes Up a Real Bonsai Soil
One immediately notices the unique features above other potted plants when one sees a bonsai tree. But these particular features of boisterous growth and refined geometry are dependent on the health properties of its soil.
But there is no one particular soil that can give the best mix of healthy bonsai soil. A good bonsai soil comes from a mixture of carefully selected ingredients. Here are some of the best elements of good bonsai soil:
Pumice
The pumice comes from volcanic rocks. It has a rough crystalline texture that aids free root movement.
Pumice adds to the strengthening properties of the root of a bonsai tree.
Lava
Lava is also a volcanic rock. Its crystalline texture reduces air compartment, aiding aeration and water drainage in the plant soil.
Calcined Clay
Although it's good to allow unrestricted water movement in the soil, good bonsai soil should have considerable water retention properties for plant use. Calcined clay serves the purpose of moderate water retention.
Pine Bark
Pink bark handles the issue of overfeeding the bonsai plant with soil nutrients. It absorbs and retains soil nutrients, and then it gradually releases it to the bonsai tree when needed.
Japanese Akadama
Japanese akadama is naturally a good soil for all container-grown plants. It aids healthy root growth by contributing to soil aeration and soil nutrients supply.
There are several other micro-ingredients that you'll discover if you do your research. My professional advice is that potting soil alone or seramis is not enough to supply nutrients for healthy bonsai trees. A bonsai tree should have a soil mix that contains all the above ingredients.