What is The Best Bonsai Substrate? (Understand bonsai substrate)

[@Darkfire1300]

May your trees stay healthy and stay firmly bent or straight May free drainage and nutrition be supplied by your substrate May your plants survive summer heat and winter cold May your designs, chops and wiring, and desires be bold May your tools stay sharp and shiny bright May your yamadori be easily dug and for transport quite light May your dream greenhouse or cold frame or bonsai stands miraculously appear May we all share green thumbs, prosperity, great health and share our good cheer! Whichever year you are celebrating, may be it a Happy New Year!

[@GoodSamaritan-g2i]

😃😃😄😄😄♥️

[@GenericSock]

This is it, the holy grail of bonsai substrate videos. This is the information I've been scouring the internet for. THIS is what beginners need to know in order to keep their first few plants healthy while they learn more specifics. THIS is the 'How to make scrambled eggs' video amongst all the videos about how to prepare a five course meal with a fancy dessert. My sincere gratitude Jelle.

[@GrowingBonsai]

You are very welcome. I do hope it helps you and others!

[@querquadratisch]

Backseating yourself while explaining bonsai is another level of flex.😂 One can really see the effort you put in. Perfect educational resource imo👌🏻

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thank you for the nice reflection. I am not sure what you mean with the first sentence though..

[@mattbrennan647]

Bonsai made understandable and logical by Jelle. Thanks as always for your straightforward approach to the hobby. Thanks, keep growing

[@GrowingBonsai]

So nice of you, great to be of help.

[@howardmckeown7187]

super video, thank you, i'm a beginner and sick of experts who all contradict each other, i've had to watch dozens of videos to learn what i know now and this has moved me to a new level, i'm glad i started to learn before springtime, LOL!

[@GrowingBonsai]

:) I think the thing you will learn over time that there are few hard truths when it comes to growing bonsai. Many things work in several ways and are also dependent on local conditions & personal care possibilities / plant species. This means you can get different, yet all correct, replies to the same questions. Slightly annoying!

[@howardmckeown7187]

@@GrowingBonsai i understand, bit like life, really, lol, thanks for the reply

[@Justintanega]

Thank you for explaining this so thoroughly and in such an easy to understand way. Yours has definitely become my favourite channel… I feel like just watching your (extensive) catalogue of videos is probably enough to get a good hold on bonsai!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Wow, thank you! It is a little what my intent is, to go through all the fundamental stuff so people understand enough to get ahead!

[@jeffhurst4744]

Another straight forward, and simply explained Bonsai video on soil for our trees. Many times I have seen or heard you HAVE to use this ingredient or that if you do not use ingredient A, B, or C from one or more general world regions - you are not a true bonsai enthusiast. You have broken it down to which ingredients serve you best. Thank you.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey Jeff, appreciate the comment. And I agree. There seems to be this idea that if it is not Japanese, it is not the right stuff to use. I try to bring things down to the basic 95% needed to get good results. The last 5% tuning is for most of us out of our reach anyway, so the small difference some components *might* make, does not seem to matter to me.

[@michaelparkey1580]

I love your common sense approach.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thanks so much!

[@marbacc]

Thank you so much for all the content. We really appreciate it. It really helps.

[@GrowingBonsai]

good to hear, thx!

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Great video Jelle. As ever clear, educational and well presented.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thank you kindly!

[@Mister_Weasel]

Nice to see someone using Seramis. I have been working with it for about 20yrs with very good results.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Great to hear! I am always surprised at the length at which people go to get substrate from far far away, when locally suitable material is available!

[@el_wumberino]

My thoughts precisely.

[@bobcatbonsai]

Great information Jelle. So basically find what works for us as long as it breaths, drains, provides nutrients and holds water. Thank you for sharing!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Preetty much, Yes!

[@DroiDolf0]

I have rewatched again after a month. I bought my first sieve of 3 sets and I will sift for the first time. Thank you Jelle!

[@bradleychalenger]

Best video on substrate I have seen, Thank you and HAPPY New Year 🍾🥳❤️

[@GrowingBonsai]

Wow, thank you so much! Happy New Year!

[@Viking-ep7yg]

Here in Brazil, this discussion about the substrate is endless because we have a tropical and subtropical climate for most of the year. And also the sudden variations a few hundred kilometers should be considered, after all we are a tropical country. The "caqueira" is a genuinely Brazilian substrate that surprises the entire world bonsai community.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Yeah, I think the discussions are endless, everywhere. Even if you show people trees grown without akadama that are healthy, develop well and have good roots.. People will argue that you need to use it. Caqueira..? Never seen it I think!

[@johncontract7855]

Thank you for this video Jelle! Likes others have said very well described and easy to understand. Didn't consider that root rot is a soil condition. and not necessarily an overwatering condition.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shinythings2017]

I went to the bonsai museum few weeks ago in Omiya, it is incredible!!! I recommend anyone go there for a visit! Bonsai are so cool 🌳

[@GrowingBonsai]

I fully agree! I had the chance to see it a few years back. Gorgeous!

[@BlueJayBonsai]

Great job showing the importance and benefits of recycling substrate! 👍 If a trees dies I always throw out the soil it was in… just in case. Always interesting to see what substrates people use.. it changes from country to country depending on what you can source locally and affordably too. Cheers! 🐦💙

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey Jay, thanks for chipping in! How are things?

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Definitely worth waiting for Jelle. I agree about mixing ratios - it gets harder once you start re-using soils. Availibility and price also plays a factor in my soil mixes some years. It was only last year that I was able to source the smaller pine bark so that now goes into the mix. I mixed up 80 litres a few weeks ago and I already know I will need a lot more than that - I hate sifting so much !!! Cheers, Xav

[@GrowingBonsai]

more than 80 litres? I would suspect so with your collection!

[@jesters1gamble201]

I'm here in Germany and the clay brand you mentioned in your video is the brand I buy. I also buy a lava mulch that I crush up a bit and add pine bark to it.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Very cool!

[@KurisuBonsai]

Great explanation and hard work sieving! I'm using Akadama and pumice here in UK but I do have small trees! I currently make individual mixes in a bowl to what I want for the particular tree, using small scoops of the individual components, then blending till it looks right. More pumice for pines, less for deciduous etc. I've also been adding in a bit of ericaceous soil to acid loving trees for a bit more water holding and organic content. All that said, I've bought a box of premixed small grain soil from Kaizen and intend to give that a go when spring comes, looks great in the box and is working nicely in an indoor planting test so maybe I won't need any akadama this year!

[@GrowingBonsai]

I am so happy to see that more and more people realize that substrate has perhaps been made more mysterious than it need to be!

[@KurisuBonsai]

@@GrowingBonsai I follow a lot of Japanese channels and I think Akadama is about £7 a bag there so makes sense why it's used more as it is very good. Ease of repotting is another reason to choose a more grainy mix that's not often mentioned. I also see they use a thin base later of large grains then refill with their general soil to ensure good drainage.

[@yetanotherperson6436]

Love the video. The only problem is that I am new to bonsai and I don't know the ingredients you are using. It would be handy to see them spelt out. I can't quite catch what you are saying.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Pumice (bims), Expanded shale, pine bark, clay based (seramis) or diatomous earth are the key things I hit in the video if I recall correctly

[@yetanotherperson6436]

@@GrowingBonsai Thank you. That's really helpful.

[@terencedixon2960]

Excellent. Informative and straightforward. Thank you.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelmarshall9924]

Thank you so much posting this video, it helped answer so many questions

[@GrowingBonsai]

You are very welcome. You would not happen to be my colleague Michael Marshall are you?

[@michaelmarshall9924]

@@GrowingBonsai probably not, I’m in Canada; I have made a few comments on you videos

[@ThomasBarbarick]

Very well presented and very informative.

[@greenmachinesweden]

Great vid! Not really an answer to the question all beginners have. But still so true. I have another take on the same subject coming up soon.🙂👍

[@GrowingBonsai]

Looking forward to seeing it! I guess there is no quick and dirty solution, and that many options are valid?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Looks like a good soil!

[@GrowingBonsai]

I think so too! I am not sure I have seen what you use Nigel. Do you have a substrate video in that massive video portal of yours?

[@TheBonsaiZone]

@@GrowingBonsai I'm using 1/2 perlite and 1/2 clay particles (SafetySorb) with a bit of bark thrown in. It seems to work well and I can get all the ingredients locally and cheaply. One this I find about used soil is that the pores of the particles can get clogged up with algae and organic particles. They loose their effectiveness at absorbing moisture and holding fertilizer.

[@peacefulGHILLIE]

​@TheBonsaiZone if left to dry for a period the organics developed in a moist environment dry out die and flake away. particularly with the dry baking. This would end up as a dust to float away. The issue lies in reusing the substrate straight away, no drying time. I discovered this in reuse aquaponics systems, that accumulate excess organics over prolonged use.

[@iamshredder3587]

Good video. You actually explained the process of akadama quite well... so many teaching it seem to not understand it properly much at all so that was nice. I wonder, have you used or even heard of "aerostones" for bonsai. ? Its basically a engineered substrate marketed as a (superior) alternative to pumice that ive been using few years now. I believe its made from perlite (the natural ore not the finished light fluffy gardening product... but the ore of it.) from turkey that fired at hi temp and other processes and produces a sterile neutral substrate that retains its minerals and holds them well and water and drains great, looks cool too imho... some bits being white like perlite and others clear like glass or crystal. But anyway without ranting too much the more i use it the more i seem to like it tbh. And its very consistent and reliabke unlike lot of pumice here (and akadama etc) . Its hard though and heavier than perlite so deosnt blow away or anything and reasonably priced too. Just not sure why i rarely see anyone else using it ir even heard of it?

[@GrowingBonsai]

I have never heard of it. So that is why I do not use it. Not something I come across here.

[@BonsaikelapaBambuApusTangsel]

Terimaksih atas sheringnya kawan.....selamat tahun baru sukses selalu.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thank you! And happy new year to you too!

[@timbrockhaus142]

Hi Jelle! Thank you very much, this video helps a lot! My additional question to the topic would be how often do you have to water the trees in this substrate in the different seasons? Thank you very much in advance and keep in with the good content! 😊

[@GrowingBonsai]

In summer a few days ask for twice a day. In winter, hardly ever

[@BonsaiCornwall]

Really interesting video mate, thank you so much 😊

[@GrowingBonsai]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jerzinho92]

Thanks for sharing your way to do. I proceed exactly the same, in summer with the wind and a mask 😄

[@GrowingBonsai]

Jay, great to hear I am not the only one doing this crazy stuff!

[@bimmer635csi]

I'd like to propose another category. pH The substrate has strong influence on pH, and some plants prefer more acidic soils.

[@KurisuBonsai]

I add small amounts of ericaceous soil to the mix for trees like this. Azelias mostly but also used in higher quantities when making forests too.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hi, thx for the comment. I am personally not so concerned with soil PH, but then again, I do not have many azaleas. Pretty much most species prefer a slightly acidic substrate afaik.

[@johnholloway691]

Jelle - Coincidentally, I also recycle substrate, much like your do, even with what appear to be the same Japanese (?) sieves. I mixed the leftover fines into our garden soil until I discovered birds like to dust-bathe in it in the summer, so I now just leave it in a pile for them. Waste nothing, right? Thanks for another informative video!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Ohw that is cool. So you have bird wash baths! We have plenty of cats where we live and I suppose the birds avoid spending time on the ground!

[@mariob.3232]

Thanks for the video. Very educative. Didnt think about the solarization process. Quite known in the agricultural area. Was curious, about a good replacement for akadama, but you kinda anwsered it. Thanks!

[@mariob.3232]

I also have a comment though. I read that coir and pine bark overtime makes your soil more acidic. So it should be a good substrate for azaleas. Since you make a big mixture of components, most likely doesnt make big difference.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Great to hear! I am not sure how acidic it makes the substrate tbh. In general most plants prefer slightly (!) acidic over slightly alkaline soil I think to know. And yeah, Azaleas are a measure more outspoken on this!

[@tumizoomi202]

Well done, thanks for sharing!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helps

[@delatroy]

You buy all the products on Amazon or what are good bulk suppliers in Europe? Many thanks. Great video🙏

[@GrowingBonsai]

I get it all at gardencentres and hardware stores locally.

[@natrjack965]

Great video again my friend.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thanks again!

[@FrostBiteBonsai]

This is a great video! I don't have these available locally. I will have to order. I need something that doesn't dry out so quickly indoors. So far the cactus and succulent mix, sometimes with extra perlite added, seems to work best.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Yes! I have been using cactus-mix grit as well at somepoint, untill I found a better source for pumice.

[@rolando10]

Great Jelle! I don’t know how I missed it

[@martylynchian8628]

Thank you for using the F temp.

[@GrowingBonsai]

I DO try to make it internationally accessable :). But it is a push every once in a while to think off it!

[@prityboy69r]

I don't subscribe to channels. I feel it only promotes the people out here making obscene amounts of money for doing nothing while half our population can't afford to put a loaf of bread on the table. That being said this video was real and I think that I now understand your approach to bonsai also I have been reading your comments and you answered every one. Respect! Not going to waist anymore of your time. I just wanted to say your my first subscription and thank you.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Well, welcome to the channel I suppose! Do have a browse around. There might be more videos you like!?

[@delatroy]

Vast majority of KZbinr producers make hardly anything

[@Reblwitoutacause]

Waist

[@mm6918]

Thanks for this video Jelle! I think I'll try adding shale based on what you said because lava is really expensive where I'm at. Most of my trees are really early in development and I want to facilitate more growth. Sounds like I should use medium to large soil particles. How many mm should my medium and large soil particle be? Thanks again!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Look in hardware stores for the shale. The stuff I use is sold to be used under floors (!). I find everything over 10 mm is too big to be usefull. I use the standard japanese sieves, to be honest, I would have to measure what size mesh it has!

[@mm6918]

Thanks Jelle and Happy New Year!

[@snoekhoek]

For the last couple of years I’m using a mix of zeolite and pinebark. Not bad so far.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Sounds like a winner. Do you have a reliable source for Zeolite? I have used pumice/zeolite mix once which was sold locally but am not sure I saw any differences.

[@snoekhoek]

@@GrowingBonsai I haven’t used pumice, so I don’t know. But the zeolite doesn’t deteriorate as far as I can tell. But for sure it’s in no way as dusty as your mix! :-)

[@abhinav3101]

Nicely explained🎉

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thank you!

[@scheers100]

I use akadama for my tropicals that come inside for the winter, I find it a good substrate basic. Only affordable in smaller pots that not see frost.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Yeah, I hear Akadama is getting crazy expensive. Oddly enough, people always refer to cost as the main reason why people avoid the stuff. For me, I never gave the cost of the substrate the primary role in my search!

[@scheers100]

@@GrowingBonsai The first reason why I did not want to use akadama is because it’s availability. When I find some good mix for my substrate I want al ingredients to be easely available. Nothing as frustrating as having a good mix of ingredients and than not find one, that is a habit I have kept from making carp fishing bait. This summer I did the same like you with most of my old substrate. Thank for your good explanation, very helpfully! Keep growing

[@joeydupre6153]

Here in South Louisiana, U.S., our summers run in the mid 90's F for months. We need organics in our soil. I have been using about 50/50 pine bark and diatomaceous earth for 8 years. Conifers get a higher percentage of D.E. At present, I have about 25 different species and cultivars and haven't found anything that won't grow well in this mix.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Agreed! The hotter and drier, the more organics.

[@darrenfisherman3838]

This video explains a lot thanks

[@GrowingBonsai]

Glad to hear it! You are so welcome.

[@johnjanssen5076]

Well, I’m impressed! Do you have a business that sells bonsai, or is this your hobby that you obviously love very much! Do you live somewhere in Scandinavia? It sounds like you have to deal with long and harsh winters. I live in upstate SC, in zone 7a. I have only been in this hobby about 6 months and am entering my first winter with the few Bonsai trees that I own. I hope you will come out with more videos in the future! Regards, John J in SC

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey John, I am a very serious hobbiest. Been taking several advanced classes and do workshops and lectures around Europe (Well.. If someone flies me in, around the world!). But no formal business. I have a full time job on the side, one could say! Living in Germany, Munsterland.

[@henkh990]

Beste Jesse, dank voor jouw video’s. In deze en ook in de laatste video zie ik dat je heel mooi fijn pine bark gebruikt. Waar kun je dat in in Nederland kopen? Ik heb dat nog nergens kunnen vinden. Groet Henk

[@GrowingBonsai]

Dag Henk, ik durf je niet te zeggen waar dat in Nederland verkocht wordt. Ik koop het in de bouwmarkt aan de andere kant van de stad, maar ik woon in Duitsland.

[@henkh990]

@@GrowingBonsai dag Jelle bedankt en nee in Nederlandse bouwmarkten alleen het grove spul. Dank voor je video’s succes! Grt Henk

[@emy1111]

I think that the Japanese use their local soil so we should be able to as well. however volcanic soils are so good for bonsai, but there are artificial ones available like you mentioned. After doing many experiments, I also broke my soil down into 3 groups, with a choice of components within those groups. Reusing the substrate also works well fo me too... although I quite like this job compared to dealing with pests and diseases.

[@GrowingBonsai]

You touched upon my core thinking initially: So coincidental that Bonsai was developed specifically in the country where Akadama is abundent :)

[@KidMangaX]

Try doing that in a place with very poor soil quality, such as solid clay-- you will be very sad. Poor drainage and oxygenation.

[@phillipwaterman5721]

Bonsai phill very good video thanks jelle keep it up mate

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thx Phill! Will try to!

[@BetuweBonsai]

Heel informatief. Heb je een goed en betaalbaar adres in Nederland voor de diverse substraat ingrediënten? Bedankt voor het geven van zoveel info in al jouw videos.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Ik heb geen idee waar je deze dingen in Nederland kan kopen :(. Ik vrees dat je zal moeten zoeken.

[@GoodSamaritan-g2i]

Hi. Thank you soo much for this video. I remember asking you about it last month...and as you promised ...here is the video. 😃 I live in the equatorial climate belt. I see some people incorporating matured compost into their soil mix as a source of slow release of nutrients. At what percentage of the soil mix can we use the compost?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey, to be fair, I would not know. I do not use compost, and in my view, this would greatly reduce the drainage capacity of the soil. Would not dare to make a suggestion here!

[@chesscheckers]

Just this morning, I read some growers suggest three parts akadama, three parts pumice, and one part compost. This would make the compost part about 14 percent of the mix. I'm gonna try this. Don't go over 20 percent with the compost!

[@kahve28]

Thanks a lot Jelle! I live in NL and I’m not happy with akadama, it’s expensive and not good for our climate. However I have difficulty finding lava and fine pine bark in the market. Can you please share the brand names for your substrates, for lava, pine bark coco? I read all the comments, find out it’s seramis for clay but couldn’t find the brands for others. Thanks a lot.

[@GrowingBonsai]

I use "bodengold" bark. Rigidur is the brand of blahton. And I use Bims which I get from bonsai dusseldorf, mostly.

[@kahve28]

@@GrowingBonsai thanks a lot for the reply 👍

[@BackSeatHump]

A very good video!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thank you very much!

[@HoundStuff]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@GrowingBonsai]

You're welcome!

[@sukru91]

Thanks for video, this really helps a lot! Do you have the names/trademarks of the specific products? I tried to search a bit but its quite hard. Seramis is 8-16mm right?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Not really. It varies a lot from country to country and I also get it from several different stores. Vulcatec is now my main go-to.

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Happy new year Jelle 👍👍👍

[@GrowingBonsai]

Happy new year! May all your trees grow strongly, and develop fat trunklines in 2023!

[@Bonsaicrazy]

@@GrowingBonsai thanks dude you too 👍👍

[@ramboke911]

What do you think about cat litter Linda Moler combined with Vulkastrat en pine bark? It's basicly the same as your composition but pretty cheap.

[@GrowingBonsai]

I think I have all three parts in my recycled bulk. Linda Molar is harder to come bylately, but is my source for diatomous earth :)

[@shinythings2017]

Interesting, I've been using kitty litter for succulent, which basically clay I think... And they work really well!

[@bonsaitherapy1468]

I reuse mine. No akadama at all. Mostly lava rock, perlite, regular garden soil and sandy grit. Summer is really hot and humid in New Jersey and cold in the winter. My trees are doing well with the coarse and organic mix...lol, and I also don't really care about percentages.

[@GrowingBonsai]

In the end, it is about what works!

[@pp.poopoo99]

I'm just running into this video now and I assume you chose these specific components because you live in more humid, less hot environment. For someone living in Southern Europe where it's hotter, would you go for a more water retaining substrate? Or simply water more often? Thanks for the vids!

[@GrowingBonsai]

I think the point of the video is exactly that. Understand what care you can provide and what the plants under your care in your climate need. I probably would add more stable organic in the substrate.

[@pp.poopoo99]

@@GrowingBonsai Cool! Thanks. I absolutely took notes on this one.

[@patrickvossen8924]

Dag Jelle, je maakt geweldige video’s. Kan je mij zeggen welke diameters van zeven je gebruikt en eventueel merk ? Alvast bedankt, Pat

[@GrowingBonsai]

Ha Patrick, ik durf het niet te zeggen. Ik denk dat de zeef rond de 35cm doorsnede zal zijn. Gewoon een commercieel setje van een online winkel.

[@k.kees.9347]

Jelle Vraagje Waar kan ik de bims, lava en de organische substate hier in Nederland kopen. Verder duidelijke filmpjes Jij bedankt en groetjes Kees.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Dag Kees, ik durf het je niet te zeggen. Ik vrees dat ik nooit in Nederland bonsai spul koop

[@mauroa.4993]

Great video! Question, is there any difference in substrate regarding indoor vs outdoor bonsai? Thank you for you response.

[@GrowingBonsai]

For trees that go on the windowsill I usually add a bit more organics

[@brechtvhb]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Where do you buy the diatomaceous earth? I can only find it in powder form.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hi, it is ot an easy thing to find. There used to be a trader in substrates that had it, but they do no longer. Then for a long time there was a local brand of kitty litter that was made of it. They stopped. I now know of only one brand, Linda Moler, which is pure diatomous earth. But.. Dificult to find yes.

[@DroiDolf0]

Thank you sensei Jelle!!!

[@bobbymalta73]

Thank You.

[@GrowingBonsai]

You're welcome

[@lovegardeningplants]

Hello Jelle I was just reading one of your articles about substrate on your Website. I think that you are suggesting to have 2mm size substrate in bonsai pots?

[@GrowingBonsai]

I think it varies. I have VERY fine (1-2mm) leftovers which I use for cuttings & accents, but which might work for mame. For recently collected trees I use as coarse as I have (typically >1cm). And in between I have up to 5mm and over 5mm bracket. Depending on pot-size and whether I want the tree to be drier or wetter I use smaller or bigger particle sizes.

[@lovegardeningplants]

@@GrowingBonsai Thankyou Jelle

[@lovegardeningplants]

Can you do an accent plants video

[@DJlildudu]

What if i use normal regular sand? Can i use it?

[@DJRobbeGer]

Hi Jelle great Video i was searching for akadama substitutes in germany. Can you please tell me the name of the Clay components in your video and where did you buy it. Thx :-)

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hi! Sure. The clay particles I mentioned are seramis. They are for sale in many places. Supermarket, hardware store. The big bags are relatively a lot cheaper.

[@gloriablanco7856]

Thank you 😊

[@GrowingBonsai]

You're welcome 😊

[@davidc9324]

Thankyou for the great video! I struggle with a good substrate in our climate. Our summers can be very dry therefore need a substrate that will retain water, perhaps a good coir base, however our winters are very wet and therefore require good drainage! Any suggestions?

[@Yurup]

Depends, can you keep your trees dry during the winter or water alot in the summer? The one thing jelle doesnt mention is the 5th thing substrate needs to do and that is be suitible for the water giver.

[@abydosianchulac2]

Are you able to put anything semi-permeable over your pots at soil level that can help water run off in the winter time? Landscape fabric or the like?

[@davidc9324]

Cannot water lots in summer as water is limited in supply. As for winter I could move them to my small greenhouse, however I have limited space and reserve greenhouse for plants that need protection from a winter chill! The suggestion of placing a material over the substrate to minimize water sounds like an excellent idea! Going to try that for the remainder of our winter! Thanks for the suggestion!

[@rutgerw.]

@@Yurup Isn’t that why Jelle swiched from pine bark to coco husk, because it better suits the way he waters his plants?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hey David, I think all has been answered.. I have opted for an open light substrate that drains extremely well. In summer I water twice a day, with on the hottest day an automated irrigation spray midday. The coco stays wet A LOT longer than pine bark and is therefor good for drier climates I would say. I feel I may have over-edited the video a little to keep it sort of short.. The covering of (part of) the pots is something I do for some of my pines if we get lots of rain for weeks on end.

[@theinfidel2143]

After watching this video several times and doing other research, I decided to go with pumas, lava rocks and shredded cocoanut husk. It seems to be working for some seedlings I have started and some juniper clippings but It feels like I am missing something. Is that good enough or do I need to add something to it?

[@GrowingBonsai]

sounds like a good base.

[@hanskleinjan]

Try stack seeving. It saves you a lot of energy 😇😎👌🏻🌹.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thanks for the tip!

[@LeandroLinguidi]

Hoi Jelle, leuke video, bedankt! Hoe heten deze producten in het Nederlands?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hm.. Bims, boombast, kleikorrels bedoel je?

[@LeandroLinguidi]

Dat weet ik het niet@@GrowingBonsai ik woon hier, maar ik kom uit Argentinië, ik blijf nog een buitenlander!

[@gronkotter]

What substrate is good for dry climates? I never get frost or root rot, but I have intense sun & wind which dry everything out.

[@Yurup]

Depends on the amount you can/want to water but you will want to add more water retaining soil then less dry climates. The rest is up to you and your experimentation.

[@GrowingBonsai]

In dry, hot, windy climates often an higher percentage organics, such as cocos fibre or even sphagnum moss is used in the substrate. However, I would consider looking into shade netting and a wind-break to help a litlle. And of course.. Select species that do well in your climate, thyme, pines, junipers.

[@gronkotter]

@@GrowingBonsai Thanks! I did not know thyme could make nice bonsai. I mainly have figs, jades and Australian natives because they are tough.

[@GrowingBonsai]

@@gronkotter so, in Australia? I hear trident maples do well too there.

[@bejkee]

I wanted to ask, if you would be willing to share some brand names for the expanded shale. The only thing similar that I'm able to find here is the expanded clay balls, but not the ground clay matter. I am thinking some more direct information would be useful.

[@GrowingBonsai]

I am afraid I do not really have that overview. I use rigidur if it helps?

[@MarkusMh]

Thanks. 2 questions. Why do you ensure to have a lava component in your mix, what does it do that clay doesn't? Also did you see Appalachian Bonsai, they have a video covering this as well, testing different organic and inorganic substrates. Diatomaceous Earth came out on top for inorganic as far as I recall, is that what you use as well and if so shouldn't you be wearing a mask? DE is not good for the lungs.

[@MarkusMh]

Oh yeah and happy newyears!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hi Markus, I had been using diatomous earth pure and it stayed too wet and I got algea building on the surface, which is why I mix it with the drier vulcanics. But yeah, diatomous earth has been my go-to for over a decade. I am using a mask when working with that stuff! Check the end of the video

[@MarkusMh]

@@GrowingBonsai You were wearing a mask, my bad! I guess I will start mixing in some lava. I have been using DE + pine bark until now and have noticed green stuff on top, so I'll trust your experience and follow suit. Thanks for all the tips and advice.

[@Wappie21]

Hi Jelle. Mag ik vragen wat je zou gebruiken voor esdoorns hier in Nederland?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Het substraat in de video!

[@mehranashkanian2747]

Hi. We have something like black sand . Think it's very small Granite granules It's black. It it for aeration or does it have any neutrintional value? Can you pls tell me if I need to use it in the mix or not necessary?

[@GrowingBonsai]

I would see this really just as a pot filler without any beneficial qualities, except for weighing the pot down.

[@hernandotorres1234]

I like to use crushed pistachio/walnut/hazelnut/almond shells in my mix to add coarser "stuff". Of course crushing the shells when you've eaten the nuts is a pain in the neck.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Do you crush by hand?

[@hernandotorres1234]

@@GrowingBonsai If I could do that Eddie Hall would never have held any powerlifting records.

[@dkstott29]

My basic response is that beginners with only a few tree's should migrate towards commercially available bonsai mixes. A lot of the suggested individual substrates tend to be expensive to obtain. Perhaps when they have some knowledge, they can work on making their own mixtures.

[@GrowingBonsai]

Probably location is important here. All these ingredient are dirt cheap -pun intended- here. My mix is less than half of the cost of commercial blends. But cost should not be the main concern. If you only have a handfull of trees, there is no sense in making your own mix as you would have substrate for a decade sitting there. Considerin I go through hundreds of liters of substrate each year..

[@narayanbarailee9903]

I feel u are real.

[@GrowingBonsai]

I am !

[@vallvds]

Hi Jelle, what is your take on Seramis clay?

[@GrowingBonsai]

I have been adding it to my most recent substrate blend as a replacement of diatomous earth, as this was hard to get for a bit. Works well in my opinion. I do hope to be prooven wrong some day but I am really wondering to what extent substrate components matter.

[@jeremyhewitt7840]

As a complete beginner... can i ask....all the substrates don't provide nutrients ...so this omes just from liquid feeds, i guess ?? Am i right?🤔

[@GrowingBonsai]

liquid or solid indeed

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

How do you feel about spag Pete in lieu of Coco hair?

[@GrowingBonsai]

spaghnum? Hard to source here. ALso big. And dangerous to your lungs.

[@kestane123chesmo]

does the clay group provide any nutrients at all ? if not, why not use more vokcanics, like pumice

[@GrowingBonsai]

Not nutrients in itself. But clays are really good at temporarely binding nutrients

[@guybrusselaers3917]

I wonder if you buy the clayballs“seramis” crushed of you crushe them yourself or you use them as they are? For the rest: thumbs up!!

[@GrowingBonsai]

The seramis comes as 2-4mm gravel!

[@Riverangler78]

Dag Jelle..ik zoek mij scheel naar fijn dennen schors. Weet jij waar ik dit kan bestellen of krijgen?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Dit haal ik n de bouwmarkt bij ons, en find ik prettig spul: www.amazon.de/Bodengold-PINIEN-DEKOR-Pinienrinde-Rindenmulch/dp/B087QLB1NM/

[@jaguardelcielo]

Nice!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Thanks!

[@fs6230]

Zur Info, in Deutschland kannst du Seramis auch direkt mit Lava kaufen ;-) Grüße

[@GrowingBonsai]

Danke. Ich verwende aber kein lava im mischung

[@JodyGrogu]

Hoi Jelle, gelukkig en gezond 2023. Ik ga dit jaar mijn boompjes in substraat planten zonder akadama, ik ben benieuwd of ik verschil merk.

[@scheers100]

Zelf gebruik ik akadama (rond 50 procent)enkel nog voor mijn tropische planten/boompjes die binnenshuis komen in de winter. En meestal ook in kleine potten staan.Voor mijn buiten planten ga ik voorlopig voor lava steen, vulkaan steen,perlite en gewone potgrond(in ongeveer 30/30/30/10 verhouding). Voorlopig tevreden van, maar waarschijnlijk nog veel verbetering mogelijk. Veel succes met jou zoektocht naar jou ideale substraat!

[@GrowingBonsai]

Beste wensen! Laat je weten hoe het gaat?

[@JesusChrist4ever]

U forgot to mention how akadama is the best to produce ramification it definitely does have its pros n cons

[@GrowingBonsai]

For sure did not forget it.

[@moot8107]

Where is the sifter from?

[@GrowingBonsai]

One of the best known online multinational stores :)

[@abydosianchulac2]

Excellent! I'd been convinced you'd mentioned substrate components before but could never find it. Terrific overview here. One question I have: what do you gain from using both clay-based and volcanic materials? What properties does one group have that the other doesn't?

[@GrowingBonsai]

I used to only use the diatomous earth, but found it stayed too wet too long. So been playing around a bit, and found the expanded shale to be much drier. Now that I have a decent source for pumice, it is ever becoming more and more core to my mix, but so ugly white!

[@abydosianchulac2]

​​@@GrowingBonsai Actually, a follow-up question, Jelle. I can track what you're saying about how you use the three main sizes of substrate, but what about the remainder? After you winnow that lot to remove the sand and dust, what do you use those smallest particles for?

[@natrjack965]

My soul mix is mola clay ,pumice ,perlite, lava rock and pine bark ...

[@GrowingBonsai]

Sounds very similar!

[@fortyoddyears5295]

Perfect. Gotta find diatomaceous earth in pellets instead of powder now and no idea where to get volcanic pellets…..pet store?

[@GrowingBonsai]

Hm.. garden centre? Hardware store?

[@dimuthuharshana9602]

❤️❤️

[@GrowingBonsai]

thx!

[@brucedeacon28]

👍👌🙂

[@GrowingBonsai]

😄