Akadama

For the Japanese sweet wine, see Akadama (wine).

Dry akadama

Wet akadama

Akadama (赤玉土, akadamatsuchi, red ball earth) is a naturally occurring, granular clay-like mineral used as soil for bonsai trees and other container-grown plants. It is surface-mined, immediately sifted and bagged, and supplied in various grades: the deeper-mined grade being somewhat harder and more useful in horticulture than the more shallow-mined grades. Akadama may also act as one component of growing medium when combined with other elements such as sand, composted bark, peat, or crushed lava. Akadama’s colour darkens when moist which can help the grower determine when to water a tree.

While akadama is more costly than alternative soil components, it is prized by many growers for its ability to retain water and nutrients while still providing porosity and free drainage. For all of its qualities, many bonsai growers consider the cost of akadama prohibitive or unnecessary. Still other growers claim that when subjected to cold and wet climates, the granules progressively break down into smaller particles which inhibit drainage, an essential characteristic of bonsai soil. This problem can be avoided either by incorporating sand or grit in the soil mix, or by using the deeper-mined, harder grades.

Origin

Due to volcanic activity, Japan enjoys rich volcanic resources. After volcanic eruptions, volcanic rocks and pumice accumulate near the volcano. Using these unique resources, Japan has developed rich horticultural products. Akadama and kanuma soils are two representations.

Standard

Medium particle: 2-6.5mm Fine particle: 1-2mm

Main components

SiO₂ 42.7% CaO 0.98% MgO 2.5% MnO 0.15% Fe₂O₃ 8.4% Al₂O₃ 25.1%

pH=6.9 EC=0.052 ms/cm

Usage

According to the different kinds of cultivated plants, Akadama can not only be used alone, but also be mixed with other collocation substrates, such as pumice, stone, peat etc. Medium particle is suitable for all kinds of potted plants, especially for cactus and Succulent plants