In a small bowl recreated a micro-world with rocks, moss and gnarled roots emerging from the ground.

For the life of bonsai, the type of soil is of great importance, which must be well drained, forming the right degree of humidity, in addition to the mineral salts necessary for growth and its maintenance.The substrate must not only guarantee excellent drainage, but in fact, since the plant lives in little land, it is more subject to thermal excursion and the substrate in this case has the task of total protection. For good drained soil it is meant that it is ventilated in the right way, that is, free circulation of oxygen and a water retention that is able to meet the needs of the plant between one watering and the other.It should be taken into consideration that each soil has its own percentage of evaporation and each bonsai has different water needs. Different soils are required depending on the species, a good mixture formed by: – ​​Organic soil, – Akadama – Fine gravel. The universal organic soil, composed of sand, perlite and sphagnum, has drawbacks because it retains a lot of water, does not area and does not drain very well, but it is fine if used component tops of a compound.The sand favors the right drainage, while the fine gravel used in the last layer to increase and improve the drainage.

The literary name of “AKADAMA” means “red ball ground”.

It is a type of clay, it is presented in silt-clay-based microgranules with neutral PH, of volcanic origin, extracted at a depth of three meters, from the subsoil of the Cryptomerie forests in Japan. it is then heated to free it from parasites or foreign organisms and finally it is pulverized in different granulometries, not perfectly round, that is, with coarse, medium and fine grain.The first is used in large pots, to form the first layer which must be more draining. The Akadama is ideal for repotting all types of bonsai, as it is able to retain nutrients after fertilization, making the soil excellent drainage.In the first use, it should be mixed with sand, clay, fresh material native to the pint as well as a slow release fertilizer.

– Provides the right amount of air, water and nutrients.

– It is able to retain water to satisfy the plant’s needs, without causing asphyxiation or root rot – It is rich in large quantities of minerals, thanks to its volcanic origins The only drawback is that Akadama, a material that wears over time, it begins to flake off significantly reducing aeration, creating the need to reintegrate it. It is a clayey earth, with a charge that acidifies the water in a significant way in the first time of installation, subsequently absorbing the carbonates of the water become saturated, while maintaining the pH at neutral or slightly acidic values. Akadama also does not contain fertilizers.

The Akadama available on the market, has only one color of a brownish amber, it is sold in bags, and comes in three different qualities, marked by one, two or three red bands, which indicate the consistency of earth granules.

In the same package, the substance is presented in spheres of different diameters as well as a quantity of dust.Before using it well, sift it, to divide the size of the grains and to free it from dust, then rinse it under running water, to eliminate any impurities and place it to dry in the open air, so it will acquire more hardness and will remain more compact for a long time.First you will get a large soil, ideal for draining the soil and rooting the plant, then a medium one to use as a substrate.

Spread a layer of Akadama on the bottom of the pot, with the help of a rod, to facilitate the descent of the granules, then bury the bonsai with its original block, cover the roots with other soil.

The use of Akadama, as the only soil, is used only for particularly precious specimens, its cost is in fact quite high, precisely because its extraction takes place only in Japan. yellowish-reddish.It is available at nurserymen or specialized shops, without forgetting those online.Although the product is purchased from a specialized company, it must meet the requirements: – The packaged and selected mixtures are suitable for bonsai. – Make sure that they are products tested by well-known companies – That they have been possibly tested by bonsaists and experts Bonsai not only a plant to be admired in when strange, but as a creature that is growing in our hands, thanks to our care, greater our commitment will be so great will be the sensations that it will transmit to us, such as strength, maturity, but above all serenity and peace.