Using only Inorganic Soil

[Rcflyer]

It is possible to use only Inorganic soil? I have pre-bonsai , young and 5 years old bonsai. Yes I got the craze and brought alot.

- Five year old Chinese Elm and Podocarpus Budda Pine
- Young Portulacaria afra variegata, Bougainvillea and Power Puff (Calliandra Schultzei) with fully established trunks.
- Pre-Bonsai dwarf schefflera arboricola, portulacaria afra variegata, Bouganinvillea

All kept indoors and top down watering from water can or bath shower. Currently the soil is about 60% organic and 40% inorganic from the seller. I am planning to repot them all to 100 Inorganic consisting of Akadama and Lava Rock and liquid fertilizing weekly. Another option I am looking at doing a mixing of Akadama,Turface Calcined Clay, Black Lava Rock, Vermiculite and Pumice). Would this be harmful to the plant if its all inorganic?

 

[rockm]

If they are inside, using such a lean soil mix will add to their already considerable environmental challenge. Indoor conditions are drier than a desert. Light is extremely low. Free draining soil will go completely dry relatively quickly (and no a humidity tray under the pot isn't any help--at all). This might be OK for the bougie and jade plant, but it will kill the elm...(and indoors is really no place for any kind of elm for more than a week.)

Take a tip from indoor potting soil mixes, they have some organic elements (some have too much) to hold onto moisture indoors. A reverse of the mix you have now-- 60 percent INorganic and 40 percent organic--would work if you're concerned.

 

[Rcflyer]

Thanks I will go with 60 Inorganic / 40 organic mix to play it safe.