SOIL MIXTURES FOR BONSAI TREES

bonsai soil mixtures

bonsai soil mixtures

SOIL MIXTURES FOR BONSAI TREES

The standard mixture is made of equal parts forest soil of peat,loam and coarse,gritty sand.With broadleaves,young trees and vigorously growing trees,a lighter soil is required-one that contains as little loam as possible.Slow-growing bonsai such as pines and the majority of conifers,as well as old trees,do better in a dry soil mixture usually containing more sand.

bonsai soil mixtures

bonsai soil mixtures

If garden soil is to be used you should realise that most types already contain some loam.
You can of course make the whole matter much simpler for yourself if you fall back on the tried and tested bonsai soil available through retail outlets.They contain one part loam,one part peat and one part granite chippings or coarse grit.

bonsai soil mixtures

bonsai soil mixtures

And remember one thing!Every bonsai specialist will swear to the success of his own soil mixtures!

bonsai soil mixtures

bonsai soil mixtures

THICKENING THE TRUNK OF A BONSAI

Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Trees

THICKENING THE TRUNK OF A BONSAI

It often happens that the trunk of a Bonsai looks too thin in relation to the crown and if this occurs you will have to resolve to thickness it.It is the lower branches that determine the thickness of a tree-trunk,so cut them away once the trunk is as thick as you want it.
If you want to thicken only the base of the trunk,start in spring by wrapping a piece of aluminum wire round the trunk just below the surface of the soil.Above the wire the trunk will swell relatively quickly.Remove the wire in the autumn of the same year otherwise it will constrict the tree too much and it might die.

Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Trees

Bonsai Trees