I have a 71 year old Juniper (shimpaku) that was handed down to me. It is time for a repot, but I have no idea what type of soil mix to use. I'd like to mix my own but need help from everyone on the exact ingredients and amounts to use unless you can recommend a reputable brand of premixed soil. The person who handed this down isn't around anymore. Thank you!
Juniper chinensis soil?
Colorado
Masterpiece
Everyone has their own favorite soil(s).
Many soils will work for shimpaku juniper. It is tried and proven that they will do great in a mix of akadama, pumice, and lava. Personally I live in a dry area so I go with about 50% akadama, 25% pumice, and 25% lava.
Many soils will work for shimpaku juniper. It is tried and proven that they will do great in a mix of akadama, pumice, and lava. Personally I live in a dry area so I go with about 50% akadama, 25% pumice, and 25% lava.
Thank you for your reply! I'm fairly new to this and don't want to mess up such an old tree. As far as akadama, pumice, and lava go.. do they provide nutrients to the tree or do I need to add something else to the mixture?
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
You will still need to feed the tree. Those soil components wont have nutrients in them.
That is kind of one of the points of that soil type, besides the fact that they are well draining.
They dont hold nutrients long term which allows us to control what the plants get.
When you have a older, more refined tree that is past development stage, you want to control nutrients more than a young tree that is needs more development and growth
You want to keep it healthy and still growing of course but you dont want explosive growth as with younger stock
