Soil mix for Olive bonsai

[Kal]

Hi all! I have a soil mix that I use for cacti that I'd like to use for my Olive bonsai. It's 65% perlite/pumice, 10% coir, and 25% potting soil. Would that work for me? Thanks!

 

[YukiShiro]

jip sounds about right to me

 

[JudyB]

Part of that answer is dependent on your location (and your watering habits...) I have my olive in a pretty fast draining, non retentive mix. Lava, Pumice, and a small amount of akadama. Mostly lava pumice. They don't like wet feet, especially in the colder months. When they are growing fast, they do like to be watered well.
I wouldn't suggest potting soil in your mix at all... lava is pretty easy to find and looks nice too.

Maybe you could put your location in your profile so good advice can be given.

 

[sorce]

Welcome to Crazy Kal!

Sorce

 

[Mash]

I use 1/3 turface, 1/3 pumice and 1/3 akadama. I water every day during the summer. In the winter I keep mine indoors and water as the soil drys out depending on how dry the air is.

 

[Adair M]

I use 1/3 turface, 1/3 pumice and 1/3 akadama. I water every day during the summer. In the winter I keep mine indoors and water as the soil drys out depending on how dry the air is.

Mash, I think that's the first time I've ever seen anybody say they use both turface and akadama in their soil mix. It's usually one or the other. I'm not going to say it's bad, or good, or anything. Just making the observation!

 

[Mash]

All good its just what I use. Lots of opinions on soil always. I say find what works for your geographic location, rain fall, watering a amount of sun the plants get. I feel like the turface doesn't break down like Akadama. I also feel its more like little hard stones. Basically cheaper than Akadama and doesn't retain water. Were the pumice will retain moister and Akadama will retain less moister than pumice and more than turface. When I reuse the soil I sieve it and just add back in a little more Akadama. I also run an automatic water system on allot of plants. So I want a mix that drains really well and doesn't hold to much water. Its basically a filler for me that has a good particle size.

 

[Kal]

Thanks for the advice. I'm in Southern California, so it's usually warm to hot here.

 

[JudyB]

I'm in Southern California

If you put that in your profile as your location, it will make it easier than making people ask you every time you need help.
Just sayin...

 

[sorce]

All good its just what I use. Lots of opinions on soil always. I say find what works for your geographic location, rain fall, watering a amount of sun the plants get. I feel like the turface doesn't break down like Akadama. I also feel its more like little hard stones. Basically cheaper than Akadama and doesn't retain water. Were the pumice will retain moister and Akadama will retain less moister than pumice and more than turface. When I reuse the soil I sieve it and just add back in a little more Akadama. I also run an automatic water system on allot of plants. So I want a mix that drains really well and doesn't hold to much water. Its basically a filler for me that has a good particle size.

23 posts means I Probly missed the boat...

But that is some legitimate observation and explanation of a situation.

So why welcome the sanest person who listens to their soul to Crazy.....?

Just can't do it...

Recognize the excellent that is Mash.

Now where is that potato thread?

Sorce

 

[Adair M]

All good its just what I use. Lots of opinions on soil always. I say find what works for your geographic location, rain fall, watering a amount of sun the plants get. I feel like the turface doesn't break down like Akadama. I also feel its more like little hard stones. Basically cheaper than Akadama and doesn't retain water. Were the pumice will retain moister and Akadama will retain less moister than pumice and more than turface. When I reuse the soil I sieve it and just add back in a little more Akadama. I also run an automatic water system on allot of plants. So I want a mix that drains really well and doesn't hold to much water. Its basically a filler for me that has a good particle size.

Another interesting post. And quite different than what others have posted on the water retention qualities of your soil components.

Most people would say that akadama holds the most water of the three you use. And as it breaks down, it holds more than when it's fresh.

And I think most would say that pumice holds the least.

I'm not trying to start a soil war, but it is amazing how differently people can assign properties to their soil components.

 

[Anthony]

Alexandria, will you see this -

Just in case your wondering about the joke, Alexandria [ My Nellie ] has been searching for this image on IBC.

From seed [ 86 or so ] soil mix is our simple - crushed red brick porous, builder's gravel and compost. Less than 1/3 by volume of the compost
and crushed red brick.
Full sun and normal watering.
However does not like to be pruned constantly, and branches do die off.
Kal I hope this helps.
Good Day
Anthony

Sorce that image is mentally disturbing - seriously