Bonsai Soil (What You Need To Know)

No subject in bonsai causes as much controversy, disagreement and argument as bonsai soil. And no subject causes so much confusion and anxiety among people new to the hobby.

But bonsai soil does not have to be difficult if you understand some basic horticultural principles and what your bonsai tree needs.

Here is my take on bonsai soil, where I dispel myths and tell you everything you need to know to grow successful and healthy bonsai trees.

Enjoy 🙏😁🌳

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Chapters:
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00:00 Introduction
00:33 Essential Soil Properties
04:11 Tree Growing Conditions
06:43 Why We Don’t Use Garden Soil
07:27 Commercial Bonsai Soil Mixes
08:12 Organic vs Inorganic
10:47 Soil Borne Pests
11:21 Soil Component Properties
15:59 Cat Litter Controversy!!!
17:00 Akadama vs Moler Clay
20:37 Special Considerations
20:56 APL - A Popular Bonsai Soil Mix
22:50 Bonsai Soil: The Truth

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Social media:
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[TheBonsaiGarden]

If you enjoyed this video then please like, share and comment. To be notified of future videos like this then please subscribe:

[bingo]

This is the best video I've seen on bonsai substrate. It's like reading 100 books in 20 minutes. Thank you!

[sueb]

That was a brilliant presentation! Since most of my trees are in early development, I'm trying to learn as much as possible early on. Many traditional bonsai soil ingredients are extremely limited where I live (unless I order from Amazon), so understanding the properties and how to substitute ingredients is so helpful. Many thanks!!

[sadoldgit]

Best honest and transparent presentation I have seen on this topic! I would have considered discussing “briefly” Cation Exchange Capacity of each of the main substrates as many Bonsai growers do not understand the bio engineering aspects involved! Maybe a subject for another video!

[mcvmzfe]

Very useful video, thank you! Information about internal structure of akadama and diatomite is especially interesting.

[MrTsBonsai-ease-sk]

Hi Jason... Great video... thorough and clear to understand...

[bobcatbonsai]

The facts have been spoken! There is not just 1 type of soil for all trees!

[cmbsharks]

This is THE BEST video that I have ever seen on Bonsai soil. Great job!!!

[KennetDeBondt]

Allways good to remember the basics!
Grts
Kennet

[goodwill_hunting]

SUPER informative video. Thanks a ton for taking the time to do this. Great work and cheers

[gaddkeltner]

A complete study on bonsai soil. Excellent. Fortunately our bonsai club sells quality mixes, acadama, and pumice.

[radrickdavis]

Sphagnum moss is also common. I add a small amount to all my mixes, to prevent complete drying out of the soil. Really helpful for any trees I plan to transfer indoors or the greenhouse.

[jeffreycraigo]

Very well done and beautiful video. Thank you.

[jeffwatts]

ive been, searching around for ages looking for a simple explanation of the different qualities of all the soil components, this video is everything i needed, thank you

[XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Very clear and very well explained. Entertaining as well. Worth waiting for Jason :)

[YasuiBonsai]

At last an easy to understand but detailed explanation of soils.. some great footage also.

[swimminwitdafishes]

Without a doubt the best and easy to understand video on this subject.

[Alan-nkfs]

Excellent video. Really gets to the heart of the subject. Best I've seen, and gives me the confidence to prepare my own substrate. Thank you

[MartinBBB]

Superb explanation of this much-discussed topic. Thank you for this well-researched video Jason.

[treeaddict]

Great, comprehensive look at bonsai soil. Well done!