What can i use to replace Spagnum Moss for mixing with soil for a bonsai plant?
Posted by Bonsai Care on Dec 9, 2008
I have vermiculite and perlite could i combine either of those with the soil?
Think its only added to retain moisture, therefore vermiculte 50% with soil 50% what do you think?
Does that mean i won’t have the moss look? (algae instead)
can i get moss that grows rocks at the local pond/fountain? is that the same moss?
Both pearlite and vermiculite are suitable in a bonsai soil mix, but not to replace an organic component.
For a good bonsai mix, you need to start with about a 50/50 mix of organic and inorganic material and then adjust the ratios to the specific plant you are growing.
The best organic component is composted pine bark (sifted) it lasts the longest and provides the best drainage.
The best soil mix is a highly debated topic amongst bonsai enthusiasts. Everyone seems to have their own “secret” recipe.
If you go to the bonsai forums on http://www.gardenweb.com , you can search for “soil mix” and see what other people are doing.
My “basic” recipe is –
2 parts pine bark
1 part peat moss
2 parts calcined clay
1 part builders sand
Then I adjust as necessary.
I’m not sure what you mean by the “moss look”, but spagnum/peat moss is not the same stuff that grows on wet rocks, etc. That moss may be transplanted onto your soil as a ground cover in the pot though.
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vermiculite is good to mix with soil for bonsai.
References :
Here’s a bonsai grower’s own soil. You can see the ingredients in the composition.
http://www.american-bonsai.com/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=S01&osCsid=70oki4dh2uf6624p3bgbrhve86
References :
Both pearlite and vermiculite are suitable in a bonsai soil mix, but not to replace an organic component.
For a good bonsai mix, you need to start with about a 50/50 mix of organic and inorganic material and then adjust the ratios to the specific plant you are growing.
The best organic component is composted pine bark (sifted) it lasts the longest and provides the best drainage.
The best soil mix is a highly debated topic amongst bonsai enthusiasts. Everyone seems to have their own “secret” recipe.
If you go to the bonsai forums on http://www.gardenweb.com , you can search for “soil mix” and see what other people are doing.
My “basic” recipe is –
2 parts pine bark
1 part peat moss
2 parts calcined clay
1 part builders sand
Then I adjust as necessary.
I’m not sure what you mean by the “moss look”, but spagnum/peat moss is not the same stuff that grows on wet rocks, etc. That moss may be transplanted onto your soil as a ground cover in the pot though.
References :
Bonsai grower 15+ yrs