Akadama, Kanuma and Kiryu: Bonsai Soils

Japanese bonsai grow not in garden soil but in sieved, granular mixes that drain freely yet hold water and air around the roots. Three Japanese materials, named for where they are dug, are the classic ingredients.

Soil Japanese Character Used for
Akadama 赤玉土 Red-brown granules of volcanic clay that hold water and slowly break down Most trees, often mixed
Kanuma 鹿沼土 Light, yellow, acidic pumice from Kanuma in Tochigi Satsuki azaleas
Kiryu 桐生砂 Gritty, iron-rich sand from Kiryu in Gunma Pines and junipers, for drainage

Mixing

Growers sieve out the dust and mix the granules to suit the tree: more akadama for deciduous trees that like moisture, more grit for pines that like to dry between waterings, pure kanuma for azaleas. Hard-fired akadama lasts longer before breaking down.

Soil and travel

Soil is the reason most living trees cannot simply be posted abroad: plant-health rules in most countries forbid or tightly control growing media that might carry pests and disease. Bagged akadama and kanuma are sold internationally through licensed importers; a used pot should always travel cleaned and empty. See Sending Bonsai Abroad.

In the collection

Browse bonsai and suiseki. Our curator desk can search Japan for a particular pot, stone or stand; replies follow within 1–3 business days.

See also

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