Orlando Bonsai » soil https://www.orlandobonsai.com The purpose of this site is to share and enjoy the art, history and horticulture of bonsai and to provide current bonsai news and information. Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:47:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.8.41 The mystery of bonsai soils revealed https://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=1894 https://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=1894#comments Sat, 19 Mar 2011 13:28:49 +0000 http://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=1894 I remember when I first started into bonsai how hard it was for me to find out what was in bonsai soil. Recipes were scarce and no one had the be all, end all mix. However as I got more involved and understood what goes into making the soil it made sense why it was so different. Everyone seems to have their own mix and use different ingredients for one reason of another.

Bonsai soils are soil less as they contain no top soil, or sand. Bonsai mixes are developed based upon the results that bonsai artist want to achieve. These specifics are good drainage, water retention, and sharp aggregate. In the following video I review the different types of materials I use for making my bonsai mixes and the reason I use them.


]]> https://www.orlandobonsai.com/?feed=rss2&p=1894 0 Finishing touches https://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=908 https://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=908#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:59:04 +0000 http://www.orlandobonsai.com/?p=908 I always like to share information to help other people display their trees.  Although a lot of work goes into styling and caring for the tree, it is the finishing touches that really make your tree stand out in a display.  Some easy touches are adding a fresh top layer of soil mix, and cleaning the bonsai pot. 

Surface soil prior to show

Surface soil prior to show

As you can see the condition of both the soil and the pot were in pretty bad shape. 
New Soil applied and the rimmed oiled

New Soil applied and the rimmed oiled

Here is the tree with just a quarter inch of new soil added and fresh moss.  In order to bring out the great color of the pot I apply a thin layer of walnut oil.  It has a nice satin finish compared to other oils.

The pot before oil applied

The pot before oil applied

As you can see there is no depth to the pot and the color is a bit washed out.

Ready for show

Ready for show

What a difference!  Just look how much better the color is.  Even though the pot has a shine to it now, the oil will soak in and take the strong oil look away.    With just a few minutes of effort the tree went from plain and ordinary to a real treasure.


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