badatusernames
Omono
Anyone here in the northeast using 100% akadama for any of their trees? I know Ryan Neil advises it for deciduous species, but I'm curious if that may not apply here where I believe we receive much colder weather, for instance.
100% Akadama in the Northeast US
- Thread starter badatusernames
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Wilson
Masterpiece
I wouldn't recommend it for trees staying out in freezing temperatures, but fine for trees that get greenhoused.
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
Depends on what Akadama I reckon.
Sorce
Sorce
badatusernames
Omono
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
It's not to deep.
Sorce
Sorce
badatusernames
Omono
how about this akadama because SOMEONE had ordered something before asking a question on here
definitely not me, I’m not that silly
>_>
sorce
Nonsense Rascal
I don't know Japanese!
Not sure which is which but some is supposed to be softer.
Then again... It could be complete BS!
I'd test it first regardless.
Sorce
Not sure which is which but some is supposed to be softer.
Then again... It could be complete BS!
I'd test it first regardless.
Sorce
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
I dont know anyone that uses 100% akadama. Maybe someone in a hotter and dryer climate than I am, but I certainly wouldnt.
Akadama is a good mix component in that it retains more water than the other components it is usually mixed with.
It typically is mixed with pumice and/or lava which do not break down as readily and maintain the structure of the soil better but they dont retain water as well as akadama (at least this is my understanding of the different materials).
Akadama is a good mix component in that it retains more water than the other components it is usually mixed with.
It typically is mixed with pumice and/or lava which do not break down as readily and maintain the structure of the soil better but they dont retain water as well as akadama (at least this is my understanding of the different materials).
badatusernames
Omono
If I'm not mistaken, folks like Ryan Neil and Michael Hagedorn are proponents of 100% akadama for deciduous trees, which is more where my head's at. If I understand correctly, it would not be good to do that with a juniper, for instance.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Not sure what Ryan or Michael use for deciduous. I only ever see Ryan talking about pines and junipers.
I use a mixture for my deciduous with more akadama than I would for a juniper. Something like 2 parts akadama, 1 part lava, 1 part pumice instead of 1 part each.
Colorado
Masterpiece
Yes, Ryan advocates for 100% akadama as a soil mix for many deciduous species. I started using 100% akadama last year for the first time and the results were fantastic. Much healthier trees than the pumice and bark based mix I was using before. Never going back. I’ve also started using 100% akadama for all my tropicals.
I am quite sure it will work just fine in the Northeast, too.
The akadama you purchased is not a brand that I’ve used before. Good akadama is hard, and does not crush easily between your fingers (it’s also not lava rock - even good hard akadama will crush if you apply enough force). I don’t see any dust in the small clear window of the packaging so that is a good sign. It also looks like a pretty small particle size, which is just fine unless you’re planning on using in a XL pot.
Akadama offers more than water retention. It also has a higher cation exchange capacity CEC to “hold” or “capture” nutrients.
I am quite sure it will work just fine in the Northeast, too.
The akadama you purchased is not a brand that I’ve used before. Good akadama is hard, and does not crush easily between your fingers (it’s also not lava rock - even good hard akadama will crush if you apply enough force). I don’t see any dust in the small clear window of the packaging so that is a good sign. It also looks like a pretty small particle size, which is just fine unless you’re planning on using in a XL pot.
Akadama offers more than water retention. It also has a higher cation exchange capacity CEC to “hold” or “capture” nutrients.
BuckeyeOne
Chumono
The double red line is the good stuff from what I've heard.
Where did ya git it?
badatusernames
Omono
I think this came from Eastern Leaf
badatusernames
Omono
It seems pretty hard to me, I’ve definitely touched the softer stuff in a large grain size before and i could crumble it like you said.
I had found something talking about double red line akadama being good so that’s why I took a fly at this stuff, but I shoulda asked first probably
JoeR
Masterpiece
The only thing I can add about akadama is some brands are awful, some are great. The double fired hard line is perfect. One year I went for the cheaper option and had really poor results.
I have tried to figure out cheaper options for years but I have to say, ive finally determined akadama is worth the money and hype
I have tried to figure out cheaper options for years but I have to say, ive finally determined akadama is worth the money and hype
vp999
Masterpiece
I think Mach5 uses 100% Akadama on his maples.
badatusernames
Omono
Yeah, I saw some for much much cheaper and it just didn't pass the sniff test. Something had to be wrong.
MACH5
Imperial Masterpiece
Yes I do. From time to time I might mix it with about 10 to 20% Kiryu. But for the most part I use only akadama. It has worked extremely well in my environment.
Yes sorry I did see that but declined to respond since I do not have extensive experience with Deshojo. I was hoping that perhaps Bill might chime in.
chicago1980
Omono
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Good stuffhow about this akadama because SOMEONE had ordered something before asking a question on here
definitely not me, I’m not that silly
>_>
Is that the shohin size?
I have spent a solid amount of time reading and testing different akadama.
There are garden level, bonsai level and premium level. All are good if you use them correctly.
We generally pay a large premium here in the states due to transportation and permit cost.
The brand you posted is solid.
Are you planning to repot often if you use 100% akadama?
I would try to find and use the hardest version.
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