sciguy1872
Sapling
Hi. I have a covering of soil with akadama--I was wondering if this was an okay way to cover soil when watering, as akadama is supposed to absorb water? I thought akadama was supposed to be mixed with the soul, not cover it.
Akadama soil covering
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Bonsai Nut
Nuttier than your average Nut
Akadama is a hard clay product that breaks down slowly as a soil mix component. There is no problem with using it as a temporary soil cover (for one reason or other) but you have to be careful you aren't hiding or avoiding more substantial soil work. It is very easy to kill a tree by not repotting when it is needed, and simply up-potting or adding soil to a compacted rootball.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
What is the rest of the soil composed of?
If its already fairly absorbent already, putting akadama on top is kind of a waste.
Its fine to use as a cover but if you're doing it to "absorb water" it would be better mixed in depending on what the soil is
If its already fairly absorbent already, putting akadama on top is kind of a waste.
Its fine to use as a cover but if you're doing it to "absorb water" it would be better mixed in depending on what the soil is
Ruddigger
Omono
Sometimes I will use shohin size akadama as a top dressing. Either for artistic purposes, or because I ran out of sphagnum to use as a top dressing, or because I couldn't find enough moss to use for a show. It’s a decent top dressing. That medium size, not so much.
sciguy1872
Sapling
I have a mixture of Organic Bonsai Soil and the akadama-- the top covering I was wondering about because I didn't want the akadama absorbing water meant for the tree when watering; the water pool in the drip tray I was watching to see if there's as much water as there used to be before covering with akadama for aesthetic and also utilitarian, as the covering weighs down the soil and prevents runoff.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
The whole point of putting akadama in the mix is because it holds moisture. You can use more of it in soil for trees that like more moisture. For example I use 50-100% akadama on trees that like moisture and 30% on trees that dont like a lot of moisture (ie what we call "wet feet" or sopping wet soil) such as conifers.
The moisture in the akadama isnt locked away from the tree, the tree's fine roots (the ones that actually absorb water and nutrients) will be able to get that water out of thre akadama.
If your soil is already organic, the akadama on top isn't doing anything for you. As expensive as it is, its a waste.
Attmos
Chumono
Seems like mixing organic and inorganic soil might actually clog the pores of the inorganic material. Any truth to this?
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Yes could happen and could impact the ability of the soil to drain and make it too wet.....
sciguy1872
Sapling
Hi. Should I repot this Spring, even though I repotted last Spring, this time using only akadama?
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Where are you located? Would be helpful to know so we can give you the best advice. Timing of repotting and a lot of other work is very dependent on climate. If you could update your profile with at least nearest large city, state, it would help
sciguy1872
Sapling
Hi, Paradox--sorry for not adding that information to my profile; I have edited. I am South of St. Louis, Missouri; Zone 6B.
Paradox
Marine Bonsologist
Ficus are tropical and the best time to repot those is in the early summer when its warm. Id say a good time where you are would probably be in June. Up where I am its cooler so I usually repot around 4th of July.
However I am guessing it gets really hot where you are so the soil its in might be fine for a Ficus as long as its draining well and not staying too wet.
I would probably monitor it and see how it does before deciding to repot. One easy way to monitor pot moisture is to stick a wooden chopstick or dowel into the soil and leave it there. Take it out once a day and look at it. Water the tree when it is almost dry but not totally dry.
If its staying very wet for days after watering then it is probably not draining/drying out well and you should consider repotting and changing the soil mix to something a bit more open.
If you can find others around you that have ficus bonsai, they might be able to give you a better idea of what works in your area. Because of climate differences, the ideal soil mix for a particular species of tree might be different in Florida, Arizona and Michigan.
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