BSOP Series: Soils

In this live stream, we take a deep dive into the world of bonsai soils. This stream will help you understand how to build up a root system, create fine ramification in the canopy, and cultivate shorter needles. Ryan then take this knowledge and applies it to repotting a rootbound tree.

[cactsai]

I'm sure Ryan has learned by now why charcoal is important in soil mixes, but for those watching this in the future, I'll answer the question. This video is almost five years old at the time I'm writing this. Charcoal creates a giant apartment complex for beneficial bacteria and fungi to live. Healthy bacteria and fungi LOVE living in charcoal. There are MANY other reasons to use it but this is the leading reason I use it in all types of potting mixes. Take your horticultural charcoal and spray it with a mycorrhizae solution to "charge" the charcoal just before adding it to your soil mixes. The fungal network in your soil will stun you upon your next repotting.

[ericbrown]

I've always wanted to hear an in depth discussion on soil particles, particle size, and how it relates to the development of trees both above and below the soil level. This is it. Thank you very much.

[bimalnair]

You are unbelievable Ryan! And Mirai is such a huge favor to rest of world with limited knowledge & resources about Bonsai! Cant thank you enough sir! Fantastic!!

[dondereng]

This video vindicates me. I live in Minnesota and have been involved with bonsai for more than 50 years a grow red cedars (Juniperus virginiana) because they grow in abundance here. They do very well on the high ground, especially around limestone outcroppings. Many of the so-called 'experts' say they are worthless for bonsai and often tell newbies the wrong soil mix according to this video and Ryan Neil. Now I understand why they don't do well with red cedars and I do.

[vitorcruz]

As someone living in a small town in Portugal, where very few people have this interest and everything seems to be so hard to get my hands on, from trees, to pots, to soil... your videos have been really interesting and educational. You go way beyond the usual care guides of "prune here in the spring", "repot every two years", "water when the top looks and feels dry", and actually go out of your way to teach in a way that is so easy to understand but also while actually explaining why things work the way they do, and why this is nature in a small container, depending on our care and interpretation and knowledge to live and thrive. I have only been going at Bonsai for a few months, but I can already tell that I am addicted for life, and you are a reference for me. Keep up the great work.
Make sure to visit Portugal and the Azores islands, I'm sure you'll find fascinating stuff here.

[lakeelsinorebonsai]

Your videos are always informative, and educational and very helpful! Thank you! Big fan!

[gavinbuckner]

these videos are the closest I can come to an apprenticeship. Thank you guys so much for spreading this knowledge on a free platform.

[remediossantos]

I like your teaching approach, very foundational, artistically empowering and mind broadening...

[charliebell]

Excellent teaching, have to catch up on this great teaching site,

[JocelynDaPrato]

Shin part at X1.5 Speed is Awesome :)
Thx for all these good explanations

[stevehirsch]

If I had the choice I would have chosen the shallow container... There is something about seeing a big strong tree growing healthy, even though it "appears" to not have much of a root system... Also thank you for posting these lessons here on YouTube... I'm a new to bonsai and I am learning a ton of good information from you...👍🏻👍🏻

[cherylandrews]

Awesome video, love the triangular pot!

[svm]

Love how the guest mic drops when ryan points out the importance of exchange balance

[alejandroemilianoguzmantej]

Hi Ryan i think Chabasai its the brand of the product that is a type of zeolite called cabazite that its used for cat litter, pool filters and aquarium filters and its really cheap (compared to akadama)... the thing with other types of zeolite is that it desintegrates with water but i imagine chabazite not cause how would it be that sensitive for water if it is used un pool filters. 25 bucks for 25 kilos (its heavy so its not as much as it sounds).

[rowanstarr]

for those badmouthing Ryan for talking to much or to fast i say listen faster. he is the best

[RAFV]

Ryan, what a great discussion on soils for bonsais.  thank you so much for sharing with us

[luisitoize]

So much great information!! thanks so mutch from Spain!

[NSG]

thoroughly enjoyed, love how informative these are, you describe every detail kinda like a math problem and that's damn hard to find! also since it got brought up and I obsessed researching it for a while last year, heres a long reply about granite: In regards to the granite in the soil, crushed granite is one of the main sources of potassium i believe. while potassium's necessity in crop yield is known, its use for bonsai shouldn't be overlooked. Firstly, it's involved in more plant functions than any other soil element, including transportation, signaling, activation, expansion, acceleration, and regulation of various plant functions to name a few. Secondly, its the element directly related with cambial width, vessel size and production of wood, creating that great trunk. this along with the facts that its involved in most processes of growth, and is always the lesser ingredient in bonsai fertilizer, makes it arguable that granite soil could be fairly beneficial. since turgor pressure regulation is also one of its tasks, I'm sure theres some way for a tree to access the potassium locked inside lol

[waynes]

Does Mirai have info on soil ratios for the different species, every green?, deciduous you have said only akadama, shimpaku junipers?, single flush pines in know you have said 1/3, 1/3, 1/3, double flush pines? I appreciate your intelligent info and approach to Bonsai, very limited to the masses here in Australia, eventhough we have some very talented people as alot of the clubs are drive by people with personalitydisorders 😊. I have been involved in Bonsai here for almost 30 years, and in that time have learnt more in the last 2 years watching your YouTube productions, thankyou to you and your team.

[nicovanleeuwen]

A lot of bonsai practice became clear to me since the core of your lessons is bonsai tree physiology.
Can you recommend me literature that treats this kind of stuff especially for bonsai or even better could you write a book on this matter?