The substrate for bonsai is one of the most important aspects of the cultivation of this tree. The substrate is fundamental to our bonsai, since it is where it stores the water and nutrients our bonsai need. So selecting the substrate or mixture of substrates ideal for our bonsai can be a great challenge.
Types of substrates for bonsai
There are basically two categories of substrates, inorganic and organic.
Inorganic substrates are those that do not come from the decomposition of organic matter like plants or animals, come from mineral sources and rocks. The main function of this type of substrates is aeration and drainage. In this category, the volcanic origin substrates that are widely used in bonsai are particularly prominent. Akadama is the substrate used for bonsai excellence. It is expanded clay from Japan. It has a large number of micropores that facilitate the retention of water and nutrients. It is a substrate that stays stable for about 3-5 years because of the resistance it has to abrasion.
The organic substrates are those that come from the decomposition of organic matter, mainly of plant remains, generally these substrates are produced by a slow decomposition of the organic matter. The main function of this type of substrate is water retention and nutrient supply.
Characteristics of Substrate for bonsai
The main characteristic of the best substrate for bonsai is that it drains very well to the water and this means that the substrate must allow the water with which we irrigate the small tree to reach the roots efficiently and not to remain Stagnant This drainage is important because if the substrate retains water it could cause the roots of the bonsai to rot and thus cause its death.
In addition, it is good that the substrate contains Akadama or reddish brown or brown granular clay, since many experts recommend it as a fundamental part of the perfect substrate and it is proven that, thus, the life of the bonsai is prolonged; its specific structure allows maintaining a level of humidity ideal for the good development of bonsai. So a base or soil containing this clay will be the best substrate for bonsai.
