What is Buy 2 Get 1 Free – Bonsai Potting Mix?
This bundle includes 3 × 5L bags (15L total) of Dr Greenthumbs Bonsai Premium Potting Mix—a structured, no-filler blend of pumice, zeolite, and graded pine bark made for airflow, drainage, and root health in bonsai pots.
How much mix do I get, and how do I know it’s enough?
You get 15L total—enough for several small-to-medium bonsai repots or to keep a small collection going for a few seasons. Estimate based on pot volume; shallow pots use less, but multiple trees add up fast.
What makes this bonsai mix different from regular potting soil?
Standard potting soil is fine and moisture-heavy—bad news for shallow bonsai roots. This mix is coarse (4–10mm particles), fast-draining, and holds structure longer to prevent root rot and compaction.
How often should I water bonsai in this mix?
Water when the mix is nearly dry—not on a schedule. In hot weather, that might be daily; in cooler months, far less. Use a chopstick, lift test, or feel just under the surface to check moisture levels.
Does this mix include fertiliser, and what types can I use?
No fertiliser is added, so you can use what suits your routine—liquid, slow-release pellets, or organic feeds all work well. Zeolite helps buffer nutrients to reduce leaching in fast-draining pots.
Is this bonsai mix good for indoor and outdoor use?
Yes—indoors, it prevents overwatering in slow-drying conditions; outdoors, it drains freely and avoids waterlogging. Just adjust your watering based on the season, light, and airflow. Works well in glazed or unglazed pots.
What bonsai species is this mix suitable for?
It’s a versatile base for most species, including deciduous, tropical, and coniferous bonsai. You can tweak moisture levels by adjusting watering or mixing in more bark or mineral content if needed.
How often should I repot, and can I reuse the mix?
Repot every 1–3 years depending on species and growth. You can reuse clean mineral components (pumice, zeolite) after sifting out fines and rinsing, but refresh bark over time as it breaks down.
What’s the pH of the mix, and is it safe for microbes?
It’s balanced for general bonsai use. The airy structure supports beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae. For best results, apply inoculants directly to roots during repotting.
Should I pre-wet the mix before potting?
Yes—lightly moistening reduces dust and helps the mix settle evenly around roots. If dry, water may run through at first, so water in pulses or soak briefly to hydrate fully.
Can I adjust the mix for specific needs?
Absolutely. You can add akadama, lava rock, or extra bark to fine-tune moisture and drainage for your species or climate. No sifting is needed unless you want a finer grade for tiny pots.
Does this mix produce dust when handling?
It can. The mineral components may be dusty when dry, so pour slowly or pre-wet. If you’re sensitive to dust, wear a mask during handling.
Will this mix attract fungus gnats?
It helps prevent gnats by draining quickly, but keeping the surface constantly wet can still invite them. Let the top layer dry slightly and avoid leaving pots sitting in standing water.
Can I use this mix for other plants?
Yes—plants that need fast drainage and hate wet feet (like succulents or orchids) can benefit. Just be sure to match your feeding and watering habits to the plant’s needs.
What’s the most common mistake with bonsai mixes like this?
Watering on a fixed schedule. Always check the mix before watering. After repotting, secure the tree, water thoroughly, and keep it sheltered while roots re-establish—tree wobble slows recovery.
