Kobayashi Akadama Small 3-5mm – Suitable for all size bonsai

Kobayashi Akadama Small 3-5mm – Akadama has been used for many years in Japan as a growing medium for bonsai.  Kobayashi akadama is graded as “Hard” meaning that it will last longer before breaking down and take longer before you must repot your bonsai because of poor soil conditions.

Akadama is a granular volcanic clay-like mineral that occurs naturally in Japan.

Akadama breaks down over a period of time.  This help with the development and health of the bonsai.   When repotting the bonsai into new akadama the potting medium usually is free draining, allowing the replacement of water and oxygen in the growing medium.  This help with the development of new roots, establishing the newly repotted tree in its container.  (Fast-growing roots normally means a fast-growing tree)

Over a period of time, generally around a 5-year period, the akadama breaks down and becomes more solid, reducing the free drainage of the growing medium and reducing the available oxygen in the growing medium.  This slows down root development and also reduces the growth rate of the tree, reducing leaf size, shortening internodal lengths, helping with the development of ramifications, and slowing down the growth of the tree.  Overall helping with the refinement of the bonsai.  But keep in mind this is only one element in the development of the tree.  Many other factors also influence the growth of a bonsai.