BONSAI SOIL - An Important Factor

Bonsai trees are quite sensitive and this is why they should be grown in the right type of soil with the proper fertilization. Bonsai soil is typically a loose mix of various compounds such as peat, fired clay pellets, expanded shale, bark and course sand. The component of the soil depends on the area you are growing the tree in. In Japan there is the use of volcanic soil as the additional component.

There must be a harmonic mixture of inorganic and organic compounds so as to set a good foundation for the cultivation and nurturing on the bonsai tree. Bonsai soil should be fast draining so as to harmonize with the special bonsai tree containers that are made with a fast drainage design. The harmony should start from the beginning where you are choosing your bonsai tree seeds to the point where you are acquiring the right soil and the right pot.

If you are planting the bonsai tree in soil without or with little amounts of clay, or in native soils for that particular type of bonsai, you should consider having regular fertilization for the purpose of overcoming the lack of nutrients in the soil. If the tree is planted in non soil compounds you should be able to supply the plant with the essential nutrients to keep it growing healthy.

Having the right bonsai soil type is crucial in the nurturing of these trees. Plants react differently when exposed to different soil environments, especially those that are not similar to their natural growth environments. This results in a changed growth rate, life span, and the type of roots. Bonsai trees will respond differently to diverse soil components and this is why you should make a point of getting the right soil for your tree.

Some people think that they can increase the growth rate of their bonsai trees when they increase the amount of fertilizers.The truth is that the increment will only have negative results that will cause distress to the plant. More than is required for a healthy plant is always too much and the fertilizer will start having a reverse effect. Instead of causing a rapid growth, the plant will be weak and unhealthy due to an overdose. There will be an imbalance in nutrients and growth, and the plant will get diseases more often due to the toxicity levels in the soil.

The type of soil you are going to plant your bonsai tree in should be dictated by the type of bonsai tree you are dealing with. This is what will give you a guide as to which components should be included in the soil and the amount of fertilizer you will use. This will also save you a lot of disappointments that many bonsai growers have to deal with just because they did not use the right soil for their bonsai and they end up having a very unhealthy plant. Growing bonsai trees requires that you invest your time to learn the basic requirements so as to have a beautiful minature plant in your garden or indoors.