Making my annual post to the blog... (Okay, I SWEAR I'll post more this year. New Year's Resolution)
So I was watching a Ryan Neil video last night and he made some interesting statements. I picked up a lot of tidbits but in particular hit home:
Basically, he said as long as you know how to water it doesn't matter what kind of soil you use. Bonsai care does not have to be terribly complicated - as long as you are providing correct water and oxygen the tree will thrive.
This backs up what my old teacher Colin Lewis would say - "they're just potted plants..."
Bam.
This has been my contention for many years.
Sure I use a pretty much inorganic mix- lava and pumice. And I've used mixes with organics in them. And I even used straight Haydite/Turface. Some of my best trees were in that mix but I paid a whole lot more attention to watering and feeding...
Those trees in sifted inorganic mixes often grow some serious roots. And these mixes certainly mean you don't have to think about over-watering. But they can also be unforgiving and may not be the best mix for the rank newcomer or the casual bonsa-ist with his new little juniper. Having organic in your mix or even total "nursery mix" provides a more forgiving media while you learn what you are doing.
I'll say it clearly. Organic in your soil mix is not a sin. Here come the pitchforks and torches. Burn the heretic!
Watering is probably the most important basic task to master because it relates to so many other issues- nutrient delivery and uptake, oxygenation of the soil, all the microflora and fauna- and it is probably the most difficult task to learn. What is our default response- looks dry? Water more... which, except for the case of 100% inorganic leads to drowning of the roots and root rot. Many soils including inorganic "look dry" but in reality, just below the soil they are still abundantly wet. But miss a day in my climate with 100% and you have fried trees. So you want to do it right!
Anyone that doesn't have that 100% inorganic mix- I teach/recommend the "chopstick" method - keep something wooden - a chopstick, toothpick, shishkabob skewer, whatever- in the pot all the way to the bottom. Pull it out when you think its time to water. Does it look damp? If you hold it to your cheek, does it feel cool? If so then wait a few to 12 hours and then check again. When it is drying out then you can water again. Eventually you'll get the rhythm down - this tree needs it every day. This one- every second day and so forth.
I didn't invent it and I'll give the stink eye to anyone that says they did. Its been around for years.
This is your tree "talking to you..."
This watering frequency will change with the season and as your organics breakdown.
These potting mixes are fine as long as you are able to satisfy the needs for water and oxygen in the soil. They are not your "forever soil mix"... Over time you can change out the soil for a more advanced mix.
Note I said "over time"... Patience grasshopper...
Beating the hell out of your trees (or not) is a peeve post for another day.
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