Akadama (red ball earth) is a volcanic byproduct mined exclusively in Japan. It is similar to clay with microscopic differences that make it ideal for bonsai use. Akadama is excellent as a component in bonsai soil as it retains nutrients. It also allows roots to grow through it and breaks down over time. Akadama is a key component in nearly all quality bonsai soils. The shipping process will break down some of the akadama so it will need to be sifted prior to use. The fines in Akadama restrict aeration within bonsai soil so need to be removed prior to repotting. The fines can be saved and mixed with sphagnum moss to create muck which is commonly used in forest plantings. Akadama Grain Sizes Available: 2.5mm - Extra Small Size - @ 1/32" - 1/8" - For Very Small Trees (Shohin, Mame). 5mm - Small - Standard Bonsai Use @ 1/16" - 1/4" - The Most Common Size. 7mm - Medium - Most pieces @ 1/4" and 1/2" - Many Use It For Larger Trees and Some Pines. 25mm - The largest Size, Most pieces @ 1/2" - 1". Akadama Bag Size: 13 Liters - A full Japanese bag - About 3.5 Gallons. This is a hard quality Akadama imported from Japan - from the northern mine. Akadama is a semi-hard substance that can be crushed in your hand. It is softer when wet and harder when dry. When dry it is nearly as hard as rock. Perfect for growing Japanese Maples or for adding to your own bonsai mix This product will need to be sifted prior to use to remove any fines that accumulate from the shipping process. Prior to shipping from japan this product was sieved to be the appropriate size.
J**D
Excellent quality Akadama
Even though it doesn’t say this was a verified purchase, I did in fact buy this product from Amazon. I love this Akadama and it is performing very well for me with my Bonsai. I used a mix of 50% Akadama, 25% pumice and 25% lava rock. I put more of this Akadama in the pot compared to the typical 1:1:1 ratio of the substrates I used because I wanted more water retention without using organic components. Even in ridiculously hot weather (90-100 degrees), this Akadama holds enough moisture so I only have to water every 2 days, instead of twice daily if I were to use only lava rock and pumice. Mind you, my Bonsai is in full sun from 9:30AM to 6PM, so this Akadama (7mm) has been excellent for me so far. The rocks are hard until wet, and then you can squish them, but they don’t fall apart nearly as easily as other Akadama I’ve used. The 13L bag is almost completely useable, with minimal dust. This is VERY high quality Akadama.
S**E
Succulents friends!
The best product for succulents
R**N
Nice soil
Great quality, not much dust in the bag so it seems like it was packaged right and taken care of while shipping.
L**A
good
good
