Out of the 58 people who contributed to this survey in May '99, many interesting and varied responses were received, the best of which have been placed below. It is hard to come to a consensus on 'which soil mix is the best for you', due to variations in your choice of plant, climate and availabilty of ingredients, however you may find interest in reading through a few of these responses - maybe even taking improving on your own soil mix from the advice given.

For those who either do not have the time or are even baffled by the terms 'organic' and 'inorganic' - simple, commercial bonsai mixes are available - the only downside being that they are expensive and are not specifically tailored to the needs of your bonsai.

Opinions :

Carl L Rosner from zone 6-7, Margate City, N.J., US, says :

61-70 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

Junipers, Mugo Pines :

• 3 parts small lava rock
• 3 parts sieved stone
• 2 parts coarse pine bark

• 1 part sieved stone
• 1 part lava stone
• 1 part Turface
• 3 parts fine or coarse pine bark

• 1 part Turface
• 1 part lava stone
• 2 part fine pine bark

Dave Flagg from zone 6, US, says :

31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 2 years.

• 1/3 sifted granite grit (GraniGrit Growers grade)
• 1/3 sifted premium pine bark mulch
• 1/3 sifted Turface or Profile Clay Soil Conditioner.

Anon. from US, says :

• I use 1/3 small pebbles
• 1/3 vermiculite
• 1/3 very fertile soil (high humus content)

Chris from zone 6, Terre Haute, IN, US, says :

under 20 years old, beginner at bonsai.

A mix of actual compost and rich sandy soil straight from the ground

Jim Ellenbecker from zone 5, Menasha Wi., US, says :

41-50 years old, practicing bonsai for over 5 years.

I use a product called turface with sand.

Robert Reed from New Orleans, US, says :

41-50 years old, practicing bonsai for over 10 years.

A haydite and pine bark mix of 50/50.

David Chapman from zone 8, Florence, SC, US, says :

21-30 years old, beginner at bonsai.

Turface, haydite, pine bark mulch & sand.

Chris Andersen from zone 8a, Dallas, Texas, US, says :

31-40 years old, beginner at bonsai.

For Japanese Maples, I am using a mix of akadama, volcanic sand, and pine bark mulch in a ratio of 3:1:1.
I had to change to this mix after the plants had already leafed out because the previous mix was holding way too much water - the repotted trees are now quite vigorous.

Khaimraj Seepersad from tropical zone, San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, says :

31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 15 years.

Inorganic - sifted gravel [ silica ] and crushed red brick
Organic - sifted compost or manure.
Usually 1/3, 1/3, 1/3.

Douglas r Wood MD from northeast Auburn, Maine, US, says :

31-40 years old, practicing bonsai for over 5 years.

I go solely by "feel" -- generally 2/3 potting soil with 1/3 sand, and some river pebbles thrown in for drainage. I definitely err on the side of soil, rather than sand.

Anon. from Boston, US, says :

51-60 years old, beginner at bonsai.

I gather the road 'sand' used on the roads in the winter here, in the spring after the rains have washed out the salt. I skim the larger grains, sift and wash out that which will go through standard screening. The remainder is crushed granite particles 1-3mm in size and very rough. I mix this 50/50 with a good commercial soil, and add just a bit (5% of total?) of medium peat particles. Have been growing trees of all kinds in this, fertilizing by type of plant, for two winters and two springs, and things seem to be OK. I've lost some trees to excessive clod, etc., but those that come through the winters are doing fine.

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