Q. HOW DO I KNOW THE BONSAI I BUY WILL GROW WHERE I LIVE?
A. YOU BUY THE APPROPRIATE BONSAI FOR YOUR GROWING CONDITIONS.
There are so many varieies of plants and trees that can become bonsai, surely there is one that will work with the conditions you have. Just do a little research and decide where your bonsai will be spending the majority of time and work from there. Be sure you know what climate zone you live in. Ask others who enjoy bonsai in your area and find out what works for them.
USDA Cold Hardiness Zones
Q. HOW MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOIL ARE THERE? WHAT SHOULD I PUT IN MY OWN?
A. ANYONE CAN COMBINE INGREDIENTS AND MAKE THEIR OWN UNIQUE SOIL. USE WHAT WORKS FOR YOUR BONSAI.
You can combine any number of ingredients and formulate your own personal favorite blend. Here are a couple of ideas based on what is being sold in bonsai websites across the country. TRY COMBINING THESE
- SPHAGNUM PEAT MOSS, CALCINED CLAY TURFACE, COMPOSTED FIR BARK, RIVER SAND, PERLITE, VERMICULITE AND CHARCOAL.
- FOR BETTER DRAINING ADD PUMICE, OR GRIT FOR CONIFERS. YOU CAN ALSO EXPERIMENT WITH PINE BARK, MUSHROOM COMPOST AND LAVA ROCK. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS.
Be sure to do the necessary preparations such as washing the lava rock before use and screen the pine bark prior to blending.
After you gather and mix the components that you wish to use, be sure to sift / strain the ingredients to the different size grains for repotting. Larger grains on the bottom and working up to the smaller sizes.
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