Akadama and Kiryuzuna 70/30% mix for medium grain 1-6 mm (2L)

Approximately 70% Akadama and 20% Kiryuzuna.

Akadama is a substrate that the Japanese have been using for years to grow their bonsai. Because it's granulated, it allows the bonsai to drain perfectly without waterlogging, thus preventing root rot and making them more airy.

It's a pH-neutral product that doesn't contain organic matter, but it retains water and nutrients very well.

Although not essential, it's a good idea to sieve it thoroughly to remove dust and prevent it from clumping, and to achieve different grain sizes.

Kiryuzuna, like akadama, is a granulated Japanese substrate. Because its grain is slightly harder than that of akadama, it increases the durability of the latter if used together. The proportion of kiryu we typically use in our mixes is usually between 10 and 30% of the total amount of substrate, depending on whether we want it to be more or less draining.

Kiryuzuna is a type of Japanese volcanic sand, usually yellowish or light brown in color. It has a good water retention capacity, but at the same time allows for efficient drainage. It is slightly acidic, making it useful for plant species that prefer that pH (such as azaleas or pines); It is especially suitable for conifers.

Advantages in bonsai cultivation

One of the best components for bonsai soil mixes, due to its great hardness.
Kiryuzuna, thanks to its ability to prevent compaction and its neutral pH, makes it perfect for trees such as pines and other conifers.
It improves soil drainage and aeration; oxygen is essential for root development.
The Akadama color darkens when moist, which helps establish watering schedules.
Akadama, like all clays, has a very good cation exchange capacity. This means it has the ability to retain any cation and later return it to the liquid medium when a deficiency occurs. This exchange capacity also causes a constant exchange of sodium, magnesium, and calcium ions for hydrogen ions. This provides us with a buffer effect, stabilizing the pH.