Bonsai Soil 101 Complete Guide - Bonsai demystified for beginners

[@RichmondBonsai]

Capturing some really useful feedback from our experienced viewers here. Please take note: >> If you use distilled, RO or "Zero Water", you don't really need to worry about pH, unless you're going crazy with ferts... @brandonhorwath6351 >> Horticultural charcoal aka biochar has many benefits for plants of all types. Improves moisture retention whilst allowing good drainage. Also retains significant nutrient from fertilisers and promotes beneficial fungal and microbial activity which improves growth, health and pest resistance. @shuancook9005 >> The "drainage layer" has been proven to actually make things worse by just raising the level of the perched water. In essence, it does not improve moisture content, but it decreases the effective depth of the pot. The layer above will stay more moist because of the sponge effect. The water level after watering will thus in practise be higher than not having a drainage layer. @bassio16 @TheOnlyKrazykat

[@jeffwatts4264]

Thanks for this video, it answers so many of my questions

[@ManfredStassar]

interesting article many of my questions have been answered thank you

[@bassio16]

This is the best video ive seen about bonsai soil, and ive seen a lot. One remark about the "drainage layer" of course material. Ive read that it in essence does not improve moisture content, but it decreases the effective depth of the pot. The layer above will stay more moist because of the sponge effect. The water level after watering will thus in practise be higher than not having a drainage layer.

[@RichmondBonsai]

Thank you for the feedback. Really appreciate it. Yes - drainage layer suggestion seems to be contentious. I am compiling all the useful feedback in a comment that I have pinned to the top, for other viewers.

[@reynantealacapa3240]

Where I'm at, we only use river sand. Once the tree is stable on the pot that's when we add fertilizer.

[@RichmondBonsai]

Oh wow - very interesting. Just straight river sand? What tree species do you use this method and which part of the world you do this?

[@brandonhorwath6351]

If you use distilled, RO or "Zero Water", you don't really need to worry about pH, unless you're going crazy with ferts...

[@RichmondBonsai]

Thank you for this feedback. I have captured this in the pinned comment above.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Peat Moss is of No use in Bonsai Sphagnum moss is Environmentally endangered it’s use should be avoided. Look for Local materials they will be cheaper and have less transport costs .

[@christopherscott8451]

Are these people talking real?

[@RichmondBonsai]

No - this is a AI generated pod cast based on our research and experience. We shape and edit the script as well as compile the podcast and its video. Thanks for the quesiton

[@shuancook9005]

How about charcoal 🪴

[@RichmondBonsai]

Thats a good point. Horticultural charcoal aka biochar has many benefits for plants of all types. Improves moisture retention whilst allowing good drainage. Also retains significant nutrient from fertilisers and promotes beneficial fungal and microbial activity which improves growth, health and pest resistance. This is an optional soil additive and I would use this in small proportions e.g. < 3% and make sure the biochar you use has neutral ph. I personally have not experimented with charcoal much but perhaps others can share their experience here...