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All plants have different requirements when it comes to the soil they are potted in. Some plants prefer a soil that drains well and some prefer a soil that will retain moisture for a longer period of time in between waterings. Some plants prefer a more alkaline or acidic soil. If you are purchasing a finished bonsai tree from us, your plant has been potted in the soil that is best suited for that particular plant and container size. You will need to research the appropriate potting mixture when you decide to repot.
We carry a variety of soils here and we are sure you can find the right mix for your bonsai. Bonsai Soil Mix
SOIL ADDITIVES are simply that.... additives to your soil! Let's discuss a few and how they help your soil.
VERMICULITE is used as a wetting agent in germinating seeds and propogating cuttings. Vermiculite retains water.

Red Lava
RED LAVA is a porous, paramagnetic material which will hold water and still allow draining from around the roots. Red lava is relatively heavy compared to pumice and will not float to the top of the mix. Lava can easily be removed from the roots at repotting. Red lava rock can also be used crushed as an attractive top dressing.
BLACK LAVA - works on the same principal as the red lava and can also be used as a top dressing.

Sharp Sand
Horticultural Sharp Sand - Helps to provide drainage and most importantly helps roots divide more producing a finer root pad.
CRUSHED GRANITE - can be used as one of the basic components of bonsai soil mix, the rough surface areas stimulate the plants to grow new fibrous root systems.Crushed granite can also be used as a top dressing when creating paths and stream bed designs. Crushed granite looks very attractive as a decorative layer on humidity trays. When mixed with the soil, granite helps to retain water while allowing for generous draining. Granite is usually "pin head" to "match head" in particle size.
PUMICE - is an additive used for better water drainage. Pumice is appropriate for dry condition loving plants such as succulents. Pumice helps the soil hold more air while retaining the proper amount of water. Air is also important to your plants health.

Turface
TURFACE MVP - or calcined clay is a clay product fired at approx. 1200 degrees and is then ground and screened to remove the small particles. Use calcined clay as a soil dressing and it will take the guesswork out of watering. Calcine clay is an excellent soil additive, it is porous and still promotes good draining. The clay lightens in color as it dries out, the darker the clay is, the more moisture it is holding.

Pro Bonsai Soil
OUR PRE-MIX BONSAI SOIL- Our soil shown here contains equal parts MVP Turface, Pine Bark Fines and Small Red Lava Rock. It is rinsed and screened already and ph neutral so it is suitable for most bonsai on its own or you can add organic matter and/or Horticultural Sand to adjust it for your bonsai.
Still Have Questions?
We Love Bonsai and We Love to Help
Just email us at
Customerservice@MyBonsaiBuddy.com
See also,
How To Repot A Bonsai Frequently Asked Questions |