Does anyone use kanuma in their soil mix for oaks?

[PaulH]

I visited the garden of a very experienced bonsai club member Saturday and he explained that he was using kanuma instead of akadama along with the usual 1/3 lava and 1/3 pumice for his oak trees. Seems logical to me as many of my collected oaks were growing in leaf duff which is fairly acidic and kanuma has a lower pH than akadama. The results looked pretty impressive; some of the healthiest oaks I've seen.

I'm wondering if anyone else has tried this. I plan to experiment with it on a few trees next spring.

Paul

 

[rockm]

I use plain old bonsai soil -- haydite, sand and some composted bark for my oak (quercus Virginiana). Have used that same mix for the last 15 years in two repottings. Tree grows like a weed.

 

[Alex DeRuiter]

I wish I could find Haydite up here...Turface is the only thing available. Maybe I'll spend the cash and get some Haydite shipped up here (for an ungodly amount) when my trees are show-worthy.

 

[milehigh_7]

All my oaks are in my standard mix of Diamond Pro, pumice and pine bark.