Bonsai Jack Enthusiasts...

[humanafterall]

Hello

looking for some help here deciding on a soil mix. I reached out to Jack asking him about his universal Mix and if it is recommended for Japanese maple In 8A

His response.
Thanks for the message. Unfortunately, I don’t. Our hands on knowledge is limited to tropicals. The gold standard bonsai such as Japanese Pine and Maple are outside of our wheelhouse. I know some growers are using our mix as a base. We just don’t have a proven recipe we can recommend. I would seek out the finest example of your tree locally and try to duplicate the mix being used.



Have you tried universal mix any for maples.... what's the course of action my maples are still in Brent's mixture (Evergreen Gwrks)

 

[Michael P]

An honest answer from a retailer! I may buy something just to reward them.

 

[BrightsideB]

An honest answer from a retailer! I may buy something just to reward them.

Agree!

@humanafterall your zone is important but not the only thing. Zone 8a on the west coast is different than an 8a on the east.

Please share the cultivar. The more information you give people the better the advice. Photo’s are always a big help. Once the jm has grown it’s spring growth it’s not to good to mess with the roots. In my experience it can lead to dieback, disease, and death more easily.

 

[Paradox]

Hello

looking for some help here deciding on a soil mix. I reached out to Jack asking him about his universal Mix and if it is recommended for Japanese maple In 8A

His response.
Thanks for the message. Unfortunately, I don’t. Our hands on knowledge is limited to tropicals. The gold standard bonsai such as Japanese Pine and Maple are outside of our wheelhouse. I know some growers are using our mix as a base. We just don’t have a proven recipe we can recommend. I would seek out the finest example of your tree locally and try to duplicate the mix being used.



Have you tried universal mix any for maples.... what's the course of action my maples are still in Brent's mixture (Evergreen Gwrks)

Akadama Lava Pumice Bonsai Soil Mix

Akadama Lava Pumice Soil Mix

easternleaf.com

You can also buy more akadama from them and mix it in for your maple if you think it needs to have a little more moisture. That is probably what I would do.

2 parts the mix above to 1 part akadama

 

[penumbra]

I have used both universal mixes they make, with and without organics. I have also used the conifer mix. For maples I like to add a little more bark and also akadama if available.

 

[humanafterall]

An honest answer from a retailer! I may buy something just to reward them.

100% I agree I knew it could be done but he didn't want to lead me in an direction that could harm my plants as it's all about testing. I loved his conifer soil that was recommended a few days ago. So that's what my goal is for my maple that needs a uppot. Great company!

 

[Paradox]

Akadama Lava Pumice Bonsai Soil Mix

Akadama Lava Pumice Soil Mix

easternleaf.com

You can also buy more akadama from them and mix it in for your maple if you think it needs to have a little more moisture. That is probably what I would do.

2 parts the mix above to 1 part akadama

Maybe 2 parts of both now that I think about it. I have a maple I bought last year that is in 100% akadama

 

[Tieball]

I’ve always known Bonsai Jack to be straightforward, honest and highly helpful.

 

[penumbra]

I’ve always known Bonsai Jack to be straightforward, honest and highly helpful.

Plus shipping is free and fast.

 

[humanafterall]

Agree!

@humanafterall your zone is important but not the only thing. Zone 8a on the west coast is different than an 8a on the east.

Please share the cultivar. The more information you give people the better the advice. Photo’s are always a big help. Once the jm has grown it’s spring growth it’s not to good to mess with the roots. In my experience it can lead to dieback, disease, and death more easily.

I have a plan for a few of your pots... love you're work! I am in georgia "ATL"

Looking to uppot a katsura. I also have a burgandy lace and sazanami.

Agree!

@humanafterall your zone is important but not the only thing. Zone 8a on the west coast is different than an 8a on the east.

Please share the cultivar. The more information you give people the better the advice. Photo’s are always a big help. Once the jm has grown it’s spring growth it’s not to good to mess with the roots. In my experience it can lead to dieback, disease, and death more

 

[humanafterall]

I have used both universal mixes they make, with and without organics. I have also used the conifer mix. For maples I like to add a little more bark and also akadama if available.

I was thinking the #221 and then also a bag of just pine back and cutting in some extra into the #221

 

[Lorax7]

I’d say ask Plant City Bonsai since they’re nearby and know your climate well.

 

[BrightsideB]

I have a plan for a few of your pots... love you're work! I am in georgia "ATL"

Looking to uppot a katsura. I also have a burgandy lace and sazanami.

Ohh cool! And thank you! I’m just a little north of Atlanta.

I’ve had problems when I use too much bark. But I know a local grafter who uses 100% soil conditioner . His trees are rather healthy. I tried it and it didn’t work out lol. Wouldn’t recommend but for some reason works for the grafting gentleman. My mixes for growing out have usually around 70 percent general pumice. I like the porosity, water retention, and shape of that brand. The other 30 some akadama, bark, and lava.

@Lorax7 that wouldn’t hurt. But they buy and sell rather than grow out maples though for long term. I go there several times a year for supplies when I need. Good friendly people.

 

[Lorax7]

Personally, I’d be inclined to put them in 100% akadama for that Georgia heat, but I’m not in your zone. Where I am (zone 6a), 2:1:1 akadama: pumice:lava is probably the most popular substrate, but I also know folks who grow in 100% akadama.

 

[humanafterall]

Ohh cool! And thank you! I’m just a little north of Atlanta.

I’ve had problems when I use too much bark. But I know a local grafter who uses 100% soil conditioner . His trees are rather healthy. I tried it and it didn’t work out lol. Wouldn’t recommend but for some reason works for the grafting gentleman. My mixes for growing out have usually around 70 percent general pumice. I like the porosity, water retention, and shape of that brand. The other 30 some akadama, bark, and lava.

@Lorax7 that wouldn’t hurt. But they buy and sell rather than grow out maples though for long term. I go there several times a year for supplies when I need. Good friendly people.

I purchased some of the #221 I'm gonna test it out on a uppotting maybe later I'll add in some more pumice/akadama based on the how it goes....

How often do you find yourself watering that mix? I water every day it seems with this perlite/bark mix it's currently in.

 

[BrightsideB]

I keep mine in a spot that gets morning and early afternoon sun. Usually water morning before sun hits trees and after the tree’s recieve direct sun later in the day. It’s fall and winter that becomes more tricky for me as far as watering goes. The tree can let me know how it’s doing with it’s leaves and growth. It’s a learning process.