Bonsai Soil: Cat Litter Vs Akadama

Cat litter for bonsai soil is a contentious subject. In this video I compare it with Akadama, detailing some of the advantages and disadvantages of cat litter (moler clay). I also list some pros and cons of Akadama, including what makes it so effective for bonsai soil.
UK Links:
Soil/substrate: amzn.to/3i1Equi
*As an Amazon Associate I might earn money from qualifying purchases.
Choosing bonsai soil can be tricky. I talk a little bit about my applications of cat litter, and Akadama respectively, so that it might inspire your thought process.
How to choose bonsai soils: • Bonsai Soil Basics: Ho...

[@grobonsai]

Need some bonsai soil? Here it is on Amazon: amzn.to/3QySiMH purchasing from that link supports the channel via a small commission. Thank you!

[@stefaanwalleghem2746]

I find "a little bit pricier" a real understatement, but I do like your video's. I'm really happy with your explanation, you're the first person that explains in depth what's the difference between moler clay and akadama. You also have given me a way to start my expedition into the bonsai forest. Going from cheap to expensive medium according to the age and value of the tree. This is the answer I was looking for. Thank you very much.

[@grobonsai]

Akadama price has risen alot since i made this vid, sadly. i wish there was a locally source substrate that acted the same. thanks for writing :)

[@yetanotherperson6436]

Your explanation of how Akadama functions was much appreciated. I have been reading and watching videos for a while now and this finally explained it to me. Thank you.

[@murphyorama]

I switched to cat litter some years ago after having a problem with acadama turning to a horrible clay paste. It may have been inferior acadama so I may try it again as part of a blend for some of my trees. Great video.

[@grobonsai]

Since making this video I’ve started using more akadama for trees in bonsai pots, cat litter for training pots. If you’re in Europe, checkout Ibuki substrates. It’s all pre-sifted and quality stuff. Even with shipping it’s good value. They also have great copper wire 👍 (not an ad, I pay full price and not in any way affiliated)

[@michaeleber4752]

Watching this reminds me from when I was first in Bonsai back in the 90's. At that time they said to use a sharp sand particle. It causes the roots to get bruised during growth as it goes against the edges of the sand causing the roots to split. In much the way that akadama does today.

[@invertevision4757]

Good video. Really like how you broke it down. I've already know all this information but I like how you have made it so all van access it this vital bit of information. Great video

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for the great feedback 🙏

[@gordonallan2798]

Hi Darren, this is one of the most informative vlogs that I have seen for ages. I used to use Tesco cat litter for all my bonsai but Tesco no longer do moler clay and I didn't know where to find it. I have been buying pumice, which is quite expensive and I will continue to use it for my conifers. My delivery of Sanicat arrived this morning! I will now mix cat litter with pumice for my deciduous trees. Many thanks.

[@grobonsai]

Brilliant! There is an alternative source for the finer grade particle like the Tesco stuff but I’ve not got any yet...

[@gordonallan2798]

@@grobonsai I would be pleased to get that information when you have it please.

[@grobonsai]

Notes on the source are here, but I’ve not purchased it so can’t comment on how it is: weetrees.co.uk/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=18618

[@Raaf_81]

In The Netherlands I can still buy it as Linda Moler kattenbakvulling.

[@BonsaiTalk]

We have, on several accounts talked about TESCOS type (Since this is the most common questions people ask about the-cat-litter-thing) where do you get it? What is it and so on.. It's seems like it's also confusing for Americans, they don't really have catlitter like moler clay / diatomite like E.U.... "The Danish Moler" is better then Akadama in our opinion, atleast for tougher climates..great vid bro.

[@marcirving1230]

Hi guys Tesco don’t sell the cat litter anymore. 😫

[@dabblingwithbonsai]

They stopped selling the moler clay cat-litter also in Finland.

[@LostFelidae]

Same in Switzerland. They finally realized the value of the diatomite...

[@kallumhall8029]

@@marcirving1230 they do I picked some up today

[@kallumhall8029]

@@marcirving1230 west sussex do

[@bryan.holmes]

Great info! Where I live they sell a type of cat litter which is pure diatomite (sediments), there are several brands. I've been using this since a year now, normally in combination with some organic matter. Species like thyme even prefer 100% diatomite. The thing is I have done lots of research about its properties and found it has many important micronutrients, which you didn't consider in this comparison. The water retention and cationic exchange capacity are about the same as akadama, but diatomite has all these minerals and is also fungicidal and insecticidal. Now, even when the roots stick to diatomite grains, they don't seem to penetrate, so it wouldn't be happening their division.

[@kestane123chesmo]

ever use it for japanese maples

[@bryan.holmes]

@@kestane123chesmo yes, I used a mix of diatomite and pine bark and they apparently liked it a lot. My issue with acers is the weather, there is no cold where I live so it has been complicated. I also used a similar mix for a Liquidambar I worked in another country and it's growing great.

[@kestane123chesmo]

@@bryan.holmes you dont have to use 100% diatomite, use some pumice too, roots divide like crazy with the stuff

[@bryan.holmes]

@@kestane123chesmo actually they also divide a lot with diatomite, having used it for 2,5 years now I can tell that. I'm just not sure if it's the same mechanism that happens when akadama freezes and breaks. Anyway, I almost always mix diatomite with other organic and/or inorganic particles which kind and quantity will vary depending on the species.

[@kestane123chesmo]

@@bryan.holmes my only problem with going 100% inorganik is nutrients. There are huge benefits but I notice it has a lot of ramification but slows growth too. Fertilizers and added nutrients just dont do the justice compost, mulch and soil can do. Im in an unheated enclosed apartment balcony so i need to be pest free and mud free. Any suggestions ? I wonder if hydroponics will work for japanese maples. Watering is a nightmare too, Im babysitting these trees just to water them and its becomming a burden.

[@SmallBalconyBonsai]

Great explanation! If we had that cat litter in Portugal it would be awesome. I tried to find a substitute but in the end I went with akadama, pumice and lava!👍

[@grobonsai]

I’m hoping my Pinus sylvestris will do better since I switched to akadama pumice & lava 🙂 thanks for the comment 🙏

[@ilovemysweeties]

im in Australia and cant find any akadama, or molar clay

[@everettbonine8398]

I was actually just wondering if cat litter could work! Glad I found your video!

[@maxinla2501]

I’ve left my sycamore maple in a shallow pot filled with akadama the whole winter and at times it did completely expand and formed a sort of mountain of frozen akamada, but to my suprise, I repotted it a few weeks ago and the roots were fine. I didn’t see any dead roots even though there were some that almost came to the surface. The akamada didn’t break down at all. I’m happy everything went well, the tree is also fine

[@grobonsai]

Thanks that’s really interesting, I’m trying akadama to see how it goes in my garden 👍

[@TonyHigginsonVlog]

Superb informative video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@christiansanchez1486]

You mean kittydama lol it's ok I'd say it's more like a root starter soil kinda like organic gardening soil great video you really knocked it on the tee

[@grobonsai]

lol Thanks for the feedback :D

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great points Darren 😊 Just having a refresher before dipping my toe into this can of worms 😂

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for reminding me that this season of the channel exists

[@RosarioCostanzo]

Interesting informations and video. I use cat litter too but with a different component: pure sepiolite! I have to say that sepiolite in bonsai soil isn't bad, it helps a lot and it's very cheap. At least, it's good for my wallet and my climate

[@grobonsai]

Very true!

[@trashbuilds8351]

Wow this is the first clear explanation I've come across, thank you! I've been practicing pre bonsai on a ton of wild trees and propagated branches collected from my yard and it is just too expensive to use bonsai substrates for all of them so I haven't known what to do... Your process of air pots with normal compost soil for the young trees before refining the soil along with the quality of the bonsai so perfect! I now feel more confident that I'm not going to ruin all my pre bonsais lol

[@grobonsai]

Always good to save money while enjoying same results! I still do the same several years later too. Thanks for watching despite the cringy presentation skills back then 😂

[@trashbuilds8351]

@@grobonsai LOL I didn't find it cringe at all! Especially since your approach just saved me a ton of money!... I actually calculated the cost of making my own substrate mix and it is around 1/4 the price of premade mixes. Perfect timing too as I'm approaching Michigan cold and rainy fall and I don't want my large trees to rot! do you ever sterilize substrates like pine bark before using? I know they can carry fungus and i don't want to use chemicals - if you've already answered this in a video I apologize!

[@jaimepalazuelos3207]

Thanks for the info, working fine for me. Unfortunately it looks like Sanicat is no longer making Sanicat Pink, so you might want to grab some stock.

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for sharing. I picked up some Tesco low dust the other week, the bags I got were the same size as Sanicat! Sadly it was the smaller particle size I was after.. 🤔

[@japreet_kah]

Hello mate. Ca you update us on what cat litter to use? i went to tescos and they have 6 pounds and 1.50p - none of them say the ingredients on the back so im lost lol thanks

[@petesavage5846]

Great video, very informative. Looks like I'll be going to Tesco.

[@grobonsai]

Thanks Peter, I’m not sure they still sell it I’m afraid

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Tesco low dust, non clumping cat litter (it’s terracotta colour) Pets at Home - Kitty Friend cat litter - is the replacement or rebrand of Sanicat Pink. Or EuroCarParts.co.uk (branches available locally) oil spill absorber. All made of fired molar clay.

[@googleboy7530]

I'm thinking of using molar clay for indoor trees like Fukiens and Ficus. Is it safe for this setting?

[@grobonsai]

Ficus yes, Fukien I hesitate as I have no experience with them. Moler holds plenty of water but if you’re used to soil with organic content you’ll find it dries much faster

[@travisveach5578]

Awesome video dude 👌

[@jonnytlately]

Akadama makes good cat litter but is rather expensive

[@alexanderkurokawa8834]

Thank you for this video! here in Australia its very expensive to import akadama from Japan, thank you for giving me an alternative! Edit: I found cat litter which is made not from molar clay, but "zeolite". I researched the stone and it is a type of volcanic clay. Does it act similarly to molar clay?

[@grobonsai]

I don’t have first hand experience, but have heard of others using it. For example I think it’s mentioned in the Mirai video on soils - the demo Ryan Neil gave at BSOP. It’s on KZbin, so worth a watch

[@alexanderkurokawa8834]

@@grobonsai thank you so much for your quick reply!

[@ImpulseHobby]

@@alexanderkurokawa8834 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZWvcpaaa7GHbZI

[@grahamlister214]

For what it's worth I used similar for a while. I used to soak it in a bucket of water overnight and then sieve it. A lot would disintegrate and I would lose around a third of it. Didn't really matter at 2€ a bag...... I also managed to grow oyster mushrooms on a mix of this and used coffee granules ☺️👍🏼

[@BackSeatHump]

I used cat litter for years here in Sweden. There were three to choose from and easily available. But they've all disappeared from the shops. No moler clay cat litter in Sweden.

[@grobonsai]

It’s going the same way in the U.K. since making this video. Sadly akadama is too expensive now

[@iamaduckquack]

​@@grobonsaiWhat do you use these days?

[@natrjack965]

Are you still using molar clay and if so what brand? I also use molar clay I did at one time. Use Tesco's dust free but I found recently it has come slightly perfumed so I no longer use it. I found that I use sanicat pink Which would you recommend or which do you use?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Another top informative video on a subject that causes lots of debate! I have used both and ignoring the obvious cost issue I have found that the akadama tends to break down before I get that refined root structure I wanted. Im not sure if there are some quality issues linked to this with some of the akadama that is being produced these days? The big issue with 'molar clay' is the smell. I purchased 20 bags from Tesco last year when it was on sale - took me ages to wash it out...not sure if the fragrance links to any damaging properties?? Keep up the great work - I think I will have to directly credit you as a contributer on my web pages soon.

[@grobonsai]

Great points 👍 quality is definitely an issue. The fragrance of moler doesn’t seem to make a difference, I don’t wash it, but no harm playing it safe though. No credit necessary 🙂

[@Addishole]

Gro Bonsai I have found “fancy all natural” unscented cat litter in the US that is 100% fullers earth. I don’t know the difference between fullers and molers (yet) but I know that “fancy” cat litter goes on clearance because, well cat litter, unlike everything else we Americans love, doesn’t need to be “all natural”. Thank you for all the great info! Don’t stop what you’re doing!

[@gordonbrown7204]

it would appear that Kittyfriend pink is the same stuff - rebranded - can anyone confirm this ? Thanks.

[@grobonsai]

Yes it is though it disappeared so I didn’t buy it for a year or so

[@mercamg9312]

never thought of cat litter. will try this out. Coles in Australia selling many home brand types. Clay. Clumping clay. Silica gel. recycled paper.

[@grobonsai]

Please note that it is a particular material - moler clay - that is suitable for plants. Cat litter is not universally suitable

[@drfreddave9020]

Does anyone know what the Chinese used in bonsai before Akadama became popular?

[@timmarshall4881]

Interesting information, thanks. I did find the background music annoying. I thought that your video was better with simply you talking. Best..Tim

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for the feedback 🙏

[@user-fb3pu3qx3t]

I agree. I find it really off-putting. Sorry!

[@JesusChrist4ever]

Pss I had didn’t even notice the background music till I read this comment

[@soberhippie]

I killed a few trees when I tried to use cat litter in my soil mix. Turns out, the wrong kind of cat litter. So in my opinion, it's best to first make sure that the exact variety of cat litter one is thinking of using is safe, and probably just use perlite. I just put loads of perlite and vermiculite into my mix.

[@grobonsai]

soberhippie yes, it’s not being cat litter that is important, it’s the material being marketed as cat litter 👍 thanks for posting your tips 😊

[@DavidMFChapman]

Non-clumping cat litter.

[@LarryD683]

I had a similarly sad experience some years ago when using cat litter here in the U.S. My wife had just bought a number of nursery plants and I mixed up a batch of potting soil that used about 1/3 cat litter. It appeared to be composed of gray, unscented, fine gravel-sized particles (can't remember the name), the rest of my mix being a little garden loam plus commercial potting soil we'd been using. The plants I potted up with my mix were all dead 😵within a few days!... even though in good growing conditions. My wife was not happy. So, yes, at least in the U.S. one should try cat litter carefully. I believe that antibacterial or other such compounds were included, none of which were plant friendly.

[@lesliearellano958]

I found cat litter at dollar tree the bag says it’s made of diatomaceous earth do you think this is a good one to use for top of soil?

[@michaelbahr7267]

Great info. Thanks left a like

[@grobonsai]

Thanks

[@drasifali1154]

Im using coco peat,vermi compost,pine bark and pumice..is this ok??

[@almac2598]

About a year ago, my wife bought a collectors doll via the interweb. It had obviously lived in a heavy smokers home, and ponged, the smell having soaked into the hair and plastic bits. The remedy, apparently, is to bury it Fullers Earth particles which absorb everything. I know from being in the RN Fullers Earth powder is used in chemical and biological decontamination. In fact it looked like powdered Akadama. This was obtained in a large bag from LIDL as cat litter. Having used the now unobtainable Tescos stuff, my interest was raised, The bag claimed 100% natural, The particles are of mixed size comparable with Akadama, there is no perfume, its light grey, and so far nothing has died, except by Vine Weevil. May be worth looking at. Thanks for the videos.

[@grobonsai]

Interesting, thanks for the tip 👍 How long have you been using it?

[@almac2598]

@@grobonsai About a year to 14 months. Its also very reasonably priced.

[@dalespringerwilson4233]

In the United States Fuller's earth is known as diamastatious Earth

[@almac2598]

Just to add a footnote - Summer '21. Have discovered that the Fullers earth particles break down into a soggy mess, so have stopped using it. No plants lost, but would obviously create waterlogging eventually. The experiment was worth it though.

[@peternoakes53]

Found this on amazon which might be of interest ( New Safety Tread Absorbent Granules 30ltr Bag ) made from calcined moller earth £13.80 for a 30ltr Bag so far it seems to work fine for me

[@grobonsai]

I’ve heard about that, didn’t realise it was on Amazon, thanks for the tip

[@gtpowergeorgetennent3786]

​@@grobonsai would you use this solely on its own as the substrate or would you mix other things in aswell ?

[@nightcoder5k]

I just picked up a 50 lbs bag of cat litter and a 33 lbs bag of oil absorbent. Let's do bonsai.

[@grobonsai]

Not all cat litter is suitable, I hope I made that clear in the vid

[@nightcoder5k]

@@grobonsai Good to know. Thank you. I ended up using 1 part of cat litter, 1 part of oil absorbent, 2 parts of ferlite, and 2 parts of bark. I sprinked some low-release fertilizer as well.

[@gwynprice7396]

Where i live Akadama is expensive the trees i have in my collection are all LARGE conifers.... do you have any experience with Pumice? Its readily available here in the PNW...

[@grobonsai]

No I don't, I recently ordered some as I read about it's effectiveness, hopefully my Pinus Sylvestris will do better in it (it's staying too wet and I over-potted it a while ago). How are you getting on with pumice?

[@johnseddon7793]

Hi Darren, What about a bit of both molar clay and akadama? Air pruning pots? Punsen lava? Yes, I am new to the hobby. The type of background 'musac' makes it a bit difficult to hear, at my age.Thank you for the clear enunciation.

[@ahb5819]

I mean, if you are going to invest money to get akadama anyway then why don't use it all the way. Secondly roots system would develop unevenly because akadama has the ability to "divide" the roots making them finner thus more efficient

[@alcyonecrucis]

Love it

[@davidclare7494]

Is melcourt a brand name?

[@grobonsai]

Yeah they make various nursery composts and mulches. I use melcourt propagation bark

[@janethowell9048]

How about fuller’s earth as a substitute (non clumping cat litters) Anyone tried it?

[@WetStink58]

hi.i am in need of bonsai soli and because of the whole virus thing I am not really able to order some,is there anything else I can use or pick up easily from a department store

[@grobonsai]

Hi, where abouts are you based? Pumice or perlite mixed with composted bark might be an option

[@kallumhall8029]

In West Sussex I've just brought kitty litter from tesco it's the low dust tescos own brand.. Recommended by a few people x

[@thetruthchannel7073]

Why can't we use potting grit in our mix...

[@grobonsai]

We can, it adds bulk and is reasonably cheap. It doesn't have any function though - it holds little water and isn't porous, plus being stone is a cold material. So although readily available and low cost, there are more functional materials available - if you can find them.

[@petesullivan3301]

Turface vs bakes vs litter..

[@yoteslaya7296]

"We shouldn't call it cat litter" *puts cat litter in the thumbnail and title*

[@Rivas-Jesus]

Necesito tu vídeo en español😅

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Can cat litter alone be used for these trees ???

[@grobonsai]

As long as it is the correct type of material in the bag, yes it can. Whether you choose to mix with other materials will depend on your preference :)d

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

@@grobonsai thank you , I'm a very new beginner looking at different videos . Looking to see what will work

[@finbarrsaunders8688]

Gro Bonsai aka 'Wavy Hand Man'.

[@grobonsai]

I was trying to be what I thought a KZbinr should be. Rather than just being my normal self

[@finbarrsaunders8688]

@@grobonsai No! They're all wannabees. Great info on the akadama by the way, and that on the cellular growth. Thanks.

[@RuggedJohnWoodland]

Thanks for clearing that one up. It’s not cat litter!😂

[@grobonsai]

😁

[@jeremiahshine]

It seems like it's for trees that like wet feet.

[@265petsar]

You never mentioned the most important details about molar clay cat litter that people need to understand. Cat litter moler clay contains deodorising chemicals which means you should leave the clay in a container with running water from a hose pipe, which can take half an hour or so to remove the chemicals and dust depending on the amount being cleaned. Research regarding the dust has show that long term inihilation can damage the bodies immune system (though this is more subjective in indoor long term use) and irritate asthma. It is not known what damage if any would be caused to the root system by the chemicals if used directly from the bag. My advice would be to wash only the amount needed for that tree at a time, I've never lost anything this way over the years including airlayerings, who's roots are not fully established in a medium.....hope this helps. P.S. are you using sign language 😄

[@Manumanunitomidri]

what about AZOMITE...........

[@grobonsai]

I have not heard of that, but thanks for pointing it out 🙂

[@Manumanunitomidri]

@@grobonsai I would like to know if is safe to use in Bonsai.......I heard that it exceed the nutritional values.......but I don´t know.....

[@grobonsai]

Oh I see, it’s mineral amendment. I honestly don’t know if it would be suitable or not - I would just be guessing, sorry

[@Manumanunitomidri]

@@grobonsai thank you.....

[@CLINTSTER77COX]

Buy a premade bonsai mix and cut it 50/50 with your cheaper mix

[@grobonsai]

Thanks for the tip

[@charlesezelljr1420]

Spell the type of clay you are talking about please, it sounds like you are saying molar clay.

[@Danboi.]

It's a surprise u can grow anything up there in the land of the long Grey cloud☁️😂👍🇦🇺

[@grobonsai]

It’s a struggle mate, can’t lie

[@christophersheward1960]

O.K. until your cat thinks its another litter tray !

[@grobonsai]

Don’t tell the cat that it’s cat litter

[@kimipbnikhuma8000]

I thought he speaks sign language.... and then I thought he was showing kung foo moves... and then I look for other video

[@grobonsai]

I thought her comment was rude... and then I watched the first minute of the video... and then I cringed so hard my shoulders swapped sides

[@shaileshkapadia8348]

Not as interesting and informative like ur other vidio sorry sir

[@grobonsai]

Oh well. They can’t all be bangers