Shohin substrate needed ?

[snox7]

I have three maples in 20cm pots and although they are not old established maples they are still my pride and joy . I am in a year of trying new things with my trees and one of them is mixing my own soil . Here in the UK I can get small particle substrate that is between 1-3 mm for my mix from kaizen but I am not sure if it's too small at the 1 mm side for trees . I have substrates at home that I can sieve down to under 5mm .
Guess I am asking is the super small particles really needed . Oh and should add I am always available to water my trees .
Cheers

 

[Shibui]

The short answer is that you can grow bonsai in almost any mix provided you match care to the soil.
Second, Why would a bonsai specialist sell a mix that was not suitable for bonsai?
Having said that, many growers have moved toward newer mixes with larger particles because it allows more leeway when we tend to overwater.
Larger particles means more air and less water in the tiny pots which is good for roots but also means watering more often.
I've been using pretty much the same mix for larger and smaller pots here so that's basically 3-6mm particles. For very small pots I usually sieve out the largest pieces.

 

[snox7]

It's not that I don't trust the seller , far from it as I have used them many times it's more that I haven't come across to many posts that mention 1mm substrate and didn't want to sieve it through to be left with a percentage that's not of much use to me .
You mention growers have moved onto larger particles which helps with over watering , which I feel I might just be guilty of now n them ;/
Guess a larger particle would suit me and kaizen have what I was after in a larger 3-7mm size which will fit the bill .
Appreciate the reply and info .

 

[RoadManDenDron]

The soil in question from the seller in question is available in a smaller than normal particle size, as 'shohin mix'

Soil you will want to use is, like everything, dependant on your goals for the tree

As mentioned a larger particle will be more free draining, however true shohin and mame trees can be difficult to keep up with the watering during the summer due to the small pots, and many people are seeking soil mix to retain more water for this reason.

Without seeing the trees it is difficult to advise, if you're planning on growing your tree and want a bigger or thicker trunk than it currently has, a small pot is the last thing you need.

 

[snox7]

Have seen there shohin mix and hard to tell if it's the 1-3mm substrates they use in that mix, I don't eant to biy a ready to use soil as I really want to try n mix my own for a change . To be fair they are sitting in kaizen number one mix and seem fine , just didn't know if a smaller mix would be better root wise .
I hear you regards the pot size and the trees in them are near enough for me regards trunks etc .