Page 62 - Tài liệu cây cảnh Bonsai4me Bonsai Basics

structure of the soil and disrupts the drainage of excess water. For a good soil

structure that drains well, where necessary, soils are sifted to remove dust and
very small particles.
Switching From Organic to Inorganic Soils
Almost all deciduous varieties will tolerate the transition from organic to
inorganic soils immediately; coniferous species, in particular Pines, benefit from
the retention of some of their old soil which will contain mycorrhizae fungi
necessary for health.
The Best Soil Mix for Bonsai

There is no single soil mix that is best for cultivating bonsai; variables such
as local climate and rainfall, personal watering regimes and individual tree
species all contribute to variations in enthusiasts' soil mixes. Ultimately,
experience of using different soil types and ingredients will shape your own
particular preferences. It is recommended that in the first instance, find out the
soil-mix that local enthusiasts are using and take it from there. I would however
always recommend that an inorganic soil be always used for the health and ease
of cultivation of your bonsai
'Bonsai Soils' bought from Nurseries and Garden Centres.

Though it saddens me to say this, the vast majority of products packaged and
sold as 'bonsai soils' at plant nurseries, garden centres and even many bonsai
nurseries are next to USELESS for bonsai. Often these are simply peat/compost
based soils mixed with some sand or grit and (as described previously) have a
soil structure that is too water retentive, airless and generally bad for the health
of your bonsai. Though there are of course knowledgeable outlets selling good
quality soil products, these appear to be in the great minority. Because you
bought some ready-mixed bonsai soil from a nursery does not necessarily make
it suitable for the health of your bonsai. Similarly, if you have bought a bonsai
from anywhere other than a well-respected specialist bonsai nursery that will
care about the quality of the trees it is selling, do not assume that the tree is
planted in a good soil.

Feeding Trees Growing In Inorganic Soils
If there is one thing that seems to worry enthusiasts about switching to an
inorganic soil is the lack of 'proper' organic and a 'lack of nutrients'. Firstly, I and
many (most) experienced enthusiasts have switched to largely inorganic soils
(such as catlitter, baked clay, akadama, turface etc etc) entirely and have been
using these products for many years (I started using catlitter only 3 years ago but
have been using inorganics for the past decade or more). The reason for
switching to inorganics is purely for the increased health, vigour and strength