My biggest complaint with the "experts" is that they assume everyone is in refinement all the time. As a beginner myself, everything I have is in development for at least the next several years since I don't buy bonsai trees.
I come back to this video ever so often even if I remember the components and might have written em down somewhere 😅 just to see/hear how Tony explains it - because that's what might get people into bonsai! 👍
I use equal parts perlite, pumice, lava rock and organic compost, it's fairly inexpensive and works great. For some trees I use 2 parts compost to get some more water retention, which I need in the hot summer days here in the south of Spain.
A great alternative soil mixture ingredients. Things like Akadama, Kanuma, lava rock and other grits, and a myriad of other species recommended ingredients, have become very costly. I like the 3 basics of a good mixture: (1) free draining; (2) holds “moisture”; and (3) has tiny air pockets (roots breath). As many well versed and very experienced Bonsai practitioners and plant experts say: you can get things to grow in many-many soil ingredient combinations, just ensure it has the three (3) aspects. Thank you again.
Good video, Tony! I’ve been looking for a E-Z to understand video that shows how to create your own soil mix. Thanks for providing it! Looking forward to future videos from you! Thanks! John J in SC - USA
Perlite is volcanic glass that has been heated to 1000 degrees Celcius which causes it to expand into these grains. Who knew? 😁 Also MiracleGro and Verve make peat free Ericaceous Compost I've found it in B&Q (not sponsored...🤣)
