American Larch Soil Mix

[darzuo]

Hey all, wondering what kind of soil mix you guys use for Tamarack (American Larch / Larix laricina)? I've heard varying opinions due to their natural habitat often being muggy bogs. Some say that a standard bonsai mix doesn't replicate this, but others say it's fine and will give the tree better growing conditions than their natural habitat. Any thoughts?

And while we're on the topic, would 100% pumice be fine for grow boxes post-collection for these guys or should some organics be mixed in? Have a few in mind for digging come spring.

Thanks!

 

[Russ1]

We seem to be in the same general area. This was my last experimental mix from 2022 and probably will change to a Perlite/Lava/Turface/Pine Bark/Spag Moss mix at next re-pot even though my Larches both American and Japanese are doing well in this mix. They have been in this mix since 2022 and should have been re-potted this year but just didn't get there.
So this is the current mix: 60% Turface, 10% Sand, 15% Pine Bark, 5% Spcl Pro Mix (Potting Soil), 10% chopped Spag Moss. My new mixes no more than 15% Turface and No Sand/crushed Granite. The Japanese larch forest is from 1992 and The American Larch is from 2002. No pictures handy at the moment. I will post if I can get some. Both are growing like crazy this year even though re-pot is past due, maybe all the rain. I do think the Spag Moss really helps with moisture loving plants, I also use it on my Brazilian Rain Trees.

 

[bnw]

My dwarf American Larch (Larix laricina 'Blue Sparkler') does well in my 1:1:1 mix of pumice, high-fired calcined clay, and fine conifer bark.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

I grow both American and Japanese larch in a mix of 25% pumice, 25% Permatil, and 50% pine bark. I water them profusely every morning and they seem to do fine, especially the Japanese. I get about 2 flushes of growth with the Americans and 3-4 with the Japanese.

 

[darzuo]

Thanks for the replies, seems like a regular mix with some pine bark / sphagnum will be the way I go.

 

[Paradox]

I have mine in 2 parts akadama, 1 part pumice, 1 part lava

 

[Vincent Tanner]

My larches are in “Aoki Blend,” an akadama-based bonsai mix made from akadama (80%), kiryu (pumice, 18%) and fuji suna (lava, 2%). You can order it from Jonas at Bonsai Tonight.

My larches are absolutely thriving. Growing super strong and healthy.

One of my friends— who has some of the best American Larch in the country — says that he’s been trying 100% akadama with great success.

 

[Dogestoevsky]

I use a 1:1:1:1 ratio of Turface : oil dri (DE) : pumice : pine fines, all sifted to 1/8”. If I’m doing major root work I add sphagnum to the mix. I have a few in pure pumice on the second year after collection and I don’t love it — too dry! Two or three flushes per growing season is pretty normal for all of these though.

My understanding is that tamarack thrives in bogs merely by tolerating the conditions better than other species good luck!

 

[darzuo]

Gotcha, thanks for all the replies