Akadama

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Akadama

Akadama is a naturally occurring, hard-baked volcanic clay soil originating from Japan.  It is ideal as a growing medium for bonsai due to its excellent drainage, aeration, and moisture retention properties. It's also suitable for cacti, succulents, orchids and other plants that need potting mix or soil with good drainage.

We stock Double Line Hard Akadama in 14-litre bags. It comes in 2 grades, 1-2mm and 3-6mm. The 3-6mm grade is ideal for cacti and succulents. We also stock a coarse type that's 6-10mm and is more suited to orchids, larger bonsai, and succulents.

Akadama can be used alone or in combination with other complementary soil mediums, such as pumice, maifan stone, scoria, or perlite. See below for how it can be used in combination or alone to grow different types of plants.

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Using Akadama for Growing Bonsai, Orchids, Cacti & Succulents, and Other Plants

1. For Bonsai:

Benefits:

  • Excellent drainage prevents root rot.
  • Good moisture retention without waterlogging.
  • Encourages fine root growth for healthier trees.
  • Breaks down over time, gradually improving soil aeration.

How to Use:

  • Pure Akadama: Often used alone for species that require excellent drainage, like pines and junipers.
  • Mixed with Other Components:

Maintenance:

  • Akadama granules break down over time (1-2 years), so repotting is needed.
  • Use different grain sizes depending on tree age and species.

2. For Orchids:

Benefits:

  • Enhances drainage and aeration around orchid roots.
  • Prevents overwatering, reducing the risk of root rot.
  • Provides a stable substrate for root attachment.

How to Use:

  • Mix Akadama with bark, perlite, or sphagnum moss to enhance moisture retention while maintaining adequate airflow.
  • Best suited for terrestrial orchids (e.g Cymbidium, Paphiopedilum).
  • For epiphytic orchids (e.g Phalaenopsis), use in a coarse mix with bark.

Maintenance:

  • Replace Akadama every 2-3 years as it degrades.
  • Rinse and sift before use to remove fine dust particles.

3. For Cacti & Succulents:

Benefits:

  • Prevents overwatering by providing excellent drainage.
  • Holds minimal moisture, reducing the risk of rot.
  • Supports root stability without compacting.

How to Use:

  • Mix Akadama with pumice, perlite, sand, or lava rock to create a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix.
  • Recommended mix: 30-50% Akadama + 30% pumice + 20% lava rock/perlite.
  • For desert cacti, use smaller Akadama particles to improve root contact.

Maintenance:

  • Monitor soil breakdown and refresh the mix every 2-3 years.
  • Avoid excessive watering; Akadama helps maintain a balanced moisture level.

4. For Other Plants

Ideal for:

  • Carnivorous plants (in combination with sphagnum moss).
  • Indoor plants needing high drainage (e.g Alocasia, Anthurium).
  • Aroids and other epiphytes mixed with bark and charcoal.

General Usage Tips:

  • Adjust the mix ratio according to the plant's moisture needs.
  • Sift and rinse Akadama before use to remove dust.
  • Replace or refresh the soil mix as Akadama breaks down.