Comments on: Preparing for winter

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:19:34 +0000

I hope this will answer the question on akadama

Technically, both akadama and kanuma are pumices… porous leftovers from a pyroclastic flow in a low pressure environment, with a density lower than 1 thanks to all the gases that were trapped when the flow cooled down. Those pumice layers started decomposing thanks to the water percolating through… carrying minerals from layer to layer (volcanic ash, imaichi, volcanic ash with a mix og imaichi and kanuma, clay mixed with volcanic ash).

What we call akadama is Imaichi pumice. There is another layer of pumice on top in one area of Tochigi called the Shichihonzakura pumice layer… but I don’t know the commercial name used for that product.

Source: Clay and Clay Minerals of Japan, Volume 25, Part 1 By Toshio Sudō, Susumu Shimoda pp 115-125

By: Janet

Janet — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 03:05:47 +0000

Several years ago – and I wish I could remember when – Golden Statements ran an article form someone who explaining what Akadama actually was (the chemistry and the geologic source). The only specific I remember is that it is definitely not clay (fired or otherwise), and my memory is that it is a volcanic product.

It was a great article, and maybe someday I’ll dig it up. Unfortunately their online archive only goes back through 2008.

By: xwires

xwires — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:54:06 +0000

I haven’t had a lot of experience with Turface, MVP or haydite, but I know other readers here have. I’ll be curious to hear further details if anyone has them.

By: Zack Clayton

Zack Clayton — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:08:49 +0000

How does Akadama and some of the fired clay products like Turface or MVP or even haydite (fired shale) differ? Its my understanding that Akadama is a naturally fired clay from a clay bed being buried under lava – maybe folk lore, but that is what I remember. If it is really low pressure low temperature metamporphic clay – wouldn’t the commercial prepared material be equivalent?

By: Bonsai soil « Bonsai Tonight

Bonsai soil « Bonsai Tonight — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:12:09 +0000

[...] to batch, I’m adamant that the soil must be clean. I wash the dirtiest particles – see “Preparing for winter” for details – and I always sift out the fine particles. Good bonsai soil drains well and [...]

By: xwires

xwires — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:27:39 +0000

Thanks George – will do. I’m planning to say more about the topic when I start repotting this season.

By: George Haas

George Haas — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:07:42 +0000

I enjoyed this article on pumice and getting ready for winter chores. How about a follow-on article about bonsai soil mix(es)? Thanks

By: Scott Straley

Scott Straley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:58:43 +0000

Jonas,
Great article on something that is so important in bonsai-great soil. I must admit to using the pre-mix this last year (3 1/2 bags), but due to this crazy economy, will be back to making my own mix this year. I also like to set a day aside to prepare the soil, and with our repotting schedule coming up soon, the sooner the better.
Your soil washing station is a great set up, nice work.

Scott