Talk:Bonsai/Bonsai soil

Soil's Boring Aspects

Shouldn't there be a discussion on the differences/comparisons of how the soil between hydroponic/synthetic fertilizers materials/soil and that of the organic potted soils, produce different results in the end.

This word Iron "chelated", it sounds so strong, but iron is just one flavor in a soup of vitamines and nutrients which is not well understood when combined. NPK is over emphasized, drainage needs are overrated.

Diseases and bug problems come from the soil as does vitality. A lot of the problem with soil discussion is this "concept" that you are skilled if you are able to stress a tree by giving it free drain soil, but still adequately keep it looking.... alive. If you have root rot it is because your soil or soiless medium is degraded, too much nitrogen, your root ball is decomposing because too many feeders & you can not flush out too many feeders nor salty expensive but useless fertilizers, your soil stopper becomes clogged by such screens stopping such fertilizers and the breaking down of clay- very small particles sometimes called deadpan and terracotta is natural when there is no oxygen activity even when one sees his "soil" to be dry and airy. almost all problems of diseases and bugs arise from these observations.

Too much marketing on the singularity of materials in short term time frame is misleading and expensive, and such ideas of skill are captured as all experts use this and do this, so your not expert...... Waiting 3 years to repot is probably ridiculous for very very small pots/bonsais unless its a cactus or unless your bonsai wants thin trunk - stressed ring. more roots equal more foliage, in free-drain soil, in short term true but that is rarely long term especially if granite dust and other clay particles are used - think deadpan, lake bottom, sandstone, limestone, etc. Lava rock would be more purposeful.

do the best quality grapes produce on soils which vines produce the most foliage? Have you heard of certain high elevation pines/conifers when bonsai has traces but never the full depth of smell of its wild cousins. Have you heard of fruits from one region which just doesn't have an equal in another? bonsai soil can be perceived as focusing on the person's skills or attention to plant's origins. sure everyone's eyes focuses on different things especially when its something they care about but who is to suggest that experts use free drain soils and soil is simple.