Bulk Black Lava Screened Test Results

BrierPatch

Mame
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I purchased some black lava rock today in (semi) bulk from a local landscape supply today. I purchased two 10 gal buckets for $10 per bucket, (my buckets I fill) of 3/8 inch minus. I screened one of the 5 gal buckets starting with a 5mm (just over 3/16th in) screen then again with a 2 mm screen to filter out the fines and dust then washed. I ended up with 9 liters or about 2.25 gal of 1/8th to 1/4th size. I still have to screen the other 2+ gal of larger rocks which are 1/4" to 3/8" in size.

What size do you all use the most when potting? I know it depends on size of tree but I'm asking in general.

I'm trying to compare local bulk to ordering online, for example on Amazon 2 Gal. Bonsai Jack - Black 1/4 in Lava Rock for $36. Which I'm sure is more consistent sizes.

 

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sorce

Nonsense Rascal
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I know it depends on size of tree but I'm asking in general.

It shouldn't depend on the size of the tree. As far as I know that's become "old book" knowledge.

I'm for the smalls, 1/⁸ - 3/¹⁶, (small numbers too eh, finally figured that out in year 4 with this phone!)

I feel like people generally use too large of particule, especially when trying to create a mix sans akadama.

Even if 90% of the rest is outside an eighth to three sixteenths, I'd still use what you're getting for all my bonsai and have a damn good excuse to setup a bitchin aquaponics system with the rest!

🐟🥦

Sorce
 

Deep Sea Diver

Masterpiece
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Mostly between 1/8 and 3/16 as @sorce mentioned for all APL mixes, but smaller APL for little trees and cuttings. Bigger for special purposes. Same as at the museum.

I wash, heat, sift and reuse my media, adding akadama as needed.. A percentage of the process, say 10% sifts out at 1/16-1/8” each time, so I screen out the fines and bag this fraction separately to use for the small tree/cuttings etc…special purposes

cheers
DSD sends
 

M. Frary

Bonsai Godzilla
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We're supposed to screen soil components?
I use them straight out of the bag.
D.E. and lava.
 
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