Practical material for growing bonsai in New Zealand conditions. Most bonsai writing online assumes a northern hemisphere calendar and a northern hemisphere climate, which makes it quietly wrong for us on timing, species and watering. This is where that gets corrected.
Substrate guides
Mix with akadama
A reference mix built around akadama, for growers who can source it and are willing to pay for it. Covers proportions, particle size and how the mix behaves through a New Zealand season.
Mix without akadama
A mix using components available locally, for anyone who cannot get akadama or would rather not import it. Aims for similar drainage and water retention from cheaper materials.
Tools
The substrate calculator works out a mix for your location, watering habits and species. Open the calculator.
More to come
Species notes, repotting timings for our seasons, and pest and disease guidance are the next additions. If you have written something worth sharing, or you have spotted an error in what is here, please get in touch.