Page 61 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

still recommend using as part of a bonsai soil mix is composted bark, sifted to

remove any particles less than 2mm. While bark will break down slowly, it still
holds its structure for a long time and until then, will not impede the air
circulation or the drainage of a bonsai soil
Inorganic Soil Mixes and Components
The advantage of inorganic materials is that they hold their open structure for
a long time without breaking down into mush. Inorganic materials retain a
certain quantity of water and any excess is immediately flushed through the
bottom of the pot; it is difficult to 'overwater' a bonsai planted in a good
inorganic bonsai soil mix. Akadama is Japanese baked clay, specifically
produced for bonsai and imported into the West; it is normally only available
from bonsai nurseries and therefore difficult to locate. There are a number of

grades of Akadama available including 'Double Redline' that is more costly but
is of premium quality and less likely to break down. Akadama is the soil of
choice for many Japanese bonsai Masters and enthusiasts. This is partially due to
its relatively low price in Japan where it is also easily obtainable. However,
while Akadama might be considered a good quality soil, in my opinion it is no
better than the cheaper and more easily obtainable fired-clay soils that are
produced in the West. Furthermore, Akadama can break down into a solid mush
within 1 or 2 years. This old soil must therefore be washed out of the roots every
one to two years. For this reason it is not recommended for species that will not
tolerate regular bare-rooting (Pines for instance).Seramis/Turface/Oil-Dri/
Diatomite are fired clays are readily available in the UK and US compared to
Akadama and much cheaper. Fired clays are also stronger than Akadama and
thus will not break down over time. As with Akadama, fired clays can be used

on their own, mixed with grit for faster draining soil or mixed with 10%-20%
bark if an organic component is required for greater water retention (while still
retaining good drainage properties). A wide number of fired clays are available;
I would recommend contacting other enthusiasts in your vicinity for the names
and availability of different baked and fired clays that you can source locally.
Catlitter (also jokingly known as 'Kittydama') or Diatomaceous Earth or
'Diatomite' is a fired clay has excellent properties as a bonsai soil and I have
been using this 'soil' for all of my trees for a number of years now and would not
switch to anything else. It is very cheap and is easily obtainable from pet stores
and supermarkets all over the UK. For more information, please visit
www.bonsai4me.com
Sifting out 'Fines'

Large amounts of dust that remain in the soil mixture can clog the open