Alkaline soil?

essdoesbonsai · Sep 30, 2020

I'm already scared writing this post because of the recent comments over soil

I've accidentally purchase some 'specialist' mix which states it is an Alkaline blend and only suitable for certain plants/trees/shrubs/cacti and succulents.

With a little reading, I've found that there are a few trees that may be okay or even thrive in an Alkaline soil, including the Hawthorn, Hornbeam, Cotoneaster and Yew.

Does anyone have any comment/experience on this? Better growth or noticeable health improvement?
---
Saw @Shibui post "Everyone has the 'best' soil for bonsai. Really best soil is what works for you. Bonsai can grow in just about anything provided you manage watering and care to suit the soil you choose."

Bonsai Nut · Sep 30, 2020

Alkaline soil is typically found in deserts here. I know that many southwest US natives thrive in alkaline soil... and if you try to acidify their soil they get very upset. Top of this list includes manzanita - which I have killed by applying acid azalea fertilizer to. However there is a long list of native alkaline plants including: Texas ebony, mountain mahogany, mesquite, acacia, many ash species, etc.

Additionally, there are some trees that are quite adaptive, and seem to thrive in alkaline OR acidic soils, including junipers, zelkovas, Chinese elms, some spruces, some pines... just check them out beforehand.

Note also that it is not just the pH of the soil that you should consider. The pH of your water makes a big impact as well. Living in California where all my trees depended on irrigation water, I knew that my water out of the tap was 8.0 - 8.5 pH. If you use rainwater (or just natural rain) for your trees, or if you have soft well water, the impact of alkaline soil will be diminished.

essdoesbonsai · Sep 30, 2020

Bonsai Nut said:
If you use rainwater (or just natural rain) for your trees, or if you have soft well water, the impact of alkaline soil will be diminished.

That is very useful to know thank you. Our tap water is soft. And if I can't let the trees grow in a garden (with no shelter) without worrying about the Alkaline soil then I guess there's no point! I will return it.

Bonsai Nut · Sep 30, 2020

essdoesbonsai said:
And if I can't let the trees grow in a garden (with no shelter) without worrying about the Alkaline soil then I guess there's no point! I will return it.

It's great for cacti and succulents

A lot of people here love their portulacaria!

essdoesbonsai · Sep 30, 2020

Bonsai Nut said:
It's great for cacti and succulents A lot of people here love their portulacaria!

I actually bought it for my succulents but this particular alkaline mix is more suited to cacti like Peyote, says the seller.

I'm keeping my eye out for succulents that have a tree like resemblance with their stems to feed my impatient side.