Uploaded July 2017 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
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wazakurajapan.com
Corrections of calculations below.
This video is the first in a series of tests to examine various components often used in bonsai soil mixes. These videos are meant to inform you of what's available so that you may make your own choices. Soil mixes are determined by tree species, climate, region of the world, and personal preference. No two persons' mixes are alike. I hope this information is helpful to you. Enjoy!
Note:
Retention Values (g @ %) given after 5.25-hour
Rank given for 24-hour Retention based on values.
Organic Rankings:
1. Coconut Coir: 129g @ 14.57% loss
2. Compost: 26g @ 31.58% loss
3. Pine Bark: 22g @ 33.33%
4. Commercial Peat Moss: 6g @ 40% loss
Inorganic Rankings:
1. Diatomaceous Earth: 37g @ 30.19% loss
2. Akadama: 22g @ 26.67% loss
3. Kanuma Pumice: 22g @ 29.03% loss
4. LECA (Turface): 30g @ 36.17% loss
5. Vermiculite: 28g @ 41.67% loss
6. Perlite: 14g @ 36.36% loss
7. Sand: 12g @ 67.56% loss
8. Lava Rock (Scoria): 4g @ 76.47% loss
9. Expanded Shale: 2g @ 84.62% loss
10. Granite Chips: 1g @ 94.44% loss
Quick Corrections:
- Diatomaceous earth is not calcined clay, like Oil-Dri. It is silica based, formed from fossilized algae. Thanks @prana2000!!
- Pine bark's retention is 33.33%, not 14.86. I miscalculated using overall weight instead of only water weight. Nice catch @GUSTAVO TORRES!!
Quick Clarification:
- The type of pumice used is Kanuma. Big thanks to @john_cloud for the identification!
Dry Weight Values assisted as a base for some other calculations, but their secondary weight rank may be confusing. Apologies there! Thanks @ Nacho Nacho!!
Follow me on Instagram & Facebook!
instagram.com/appalachian_bonsai
facebook.com/appalachianbonsai
Like, Share, & Subscribe! Thanks for watching!
For 10% off high quality bonsai tools: Promo Code: APPLE
wazakurajapan.com
Corrections of calculations below.
This video is the first in a series of tests to examine various components often used in bonsai soil mixes. These videos are meant to inform you of what's available so that you may make your own choices. Soil mixes are determined by tree species, climate, region of the world, and personal preference. No two persons' mixes are alike. I hope this information is helpful to you. Enjoy!
Note:
Retention Values (g @ %) given after 5.25-hour
Rank given for 24-hour Retention based on values.
Organic Rankings:
1. Coconut Coir: 129g @ 14.57% loss
2. Compost: 26g @ 31.58% loss
3. Pine Bark: 22g @ 33.33%
4. Commercial Peat Moss: 6g @ 40% loss
Inorganic Rankings:
1. Diatomaceous Earth: 37g @ 30.19% loss
2. Akadama: 22g @ 26.67% loss
3. Kanuma Pumice: 22g @ 29.03% loss
4. LECA (Turface): 30g @ 36.17% loss
5. Vermiculite: 28g @ 41.67% loss
6. Perlite: 14g @ 36.36% loss
7. Sand: 12g @ 67.56% loss
8. Lava Rock (Scoria): 4g @ 76.47% loss
9. Expanded Shale: 2g @ 84.62% loss
10. Granite Chips: 1g @ 94.44% loss
Quick Corrections:
- Diatomaceous earth is not calcined clay, like Oil-Dri. It is silica based, formed from fossilized algae. Thanks @prana2000!!
- Pine bark's retention is 33.33%, not 14.86. I miscalculated using overall weight instead of only water weight. Nice catch @GUSTAVO TORRES!!
Quick Clarification:
- The type of pumice used is Kanuma. Big thanks to @john_cloud for the identification!
Dry Weight Values assisted as a base for some other calculations, but their secondary weight rank may be confusing. Apologies there! Thanks @ Nacho Nacho!!
Follow me on Instagram & Facebook!
instagram.com/appalachian_bonsai
facebook.com/appalachianbonsai
Like, Share, & Subscribe! Thanks for watching!
