This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.
Akadama is one of the most recognised Japanese substrates for bonsai. Its porous grains combine fast drainage and aeration with controlled moisture retention, helping you read the watering cycle more clearly while maintaining an open environment for fine roots.
Akadama is a natural, inert mineral material of Japanese origin. Its granular, porous form leaves air spaces and moves excess water away while keeping useful moisture available inside the pot.
A clean granular material for use on its own or as the base of a bonsai mix, with no added fertiliser.
Porous grains retain moisture while the granular arrangement maintains drainage and open air spaces.
The change from darker wet Akadama to lighter dry material acts as a visual cue alongside checking the pot itself.
Use it alone or combine it with other mineral materials, tailoring the composition to the species, container and climate.
Suitable for many bonsai species, with the final ratio adjusted to the plant, pot size, local climate and watering routine.
Sieve or rinse lightly only if visible dust is present, so very fine particles are not transferred into the pot.
Use Akadama alone or add Kiryu, Kanuma, lava or pumice to match the requirements of the individual bonsai.
Position the roots, work the grains between them and secure the tree without crushing the material.
After repotting, water evenly until clean water exits the drainage holes, then allow all excess to drain away.
The right ratio and watering frequency depend on the species, roots, pot, season and microclimate. Use the colour of the Akadama as a cue together with checking moisture inside the pot.
Japanese granular Akadama. As a natural product, it may show small differences in colour and particle size between batches.
Use it alone or as the main component of a bonsai mix after removing any excess fine dust.
Close the pack securely and keep it in a dry, shaded and covered place. Protect it from rain and moisture so it remains clean until the next use.
The details below are limited to characteristics confirmed for this product and its pack.
Choose Kiryu for a harder mineral structure in conifers, or Kanuma when the bonsai needs an acidic substrate.
A hard Japanese mineral material for greater drainage and structural stability, especially useful for Pinus, Juniperus and other conifers.
View Kiryu→
An acidic Japanese substrate for Azalea, Camellia, Gardenia and other acid-loving plants, combining moisture retention with good drainage.
View Kanuma→Quick answers about composition, mixing, watering, feeding and repotting.
It is a natural, inert Japanese mineral material in granular form. Its porous grains combine moisture retention with drainage and aeration around the roots.
Yes. It can be used alone or as the base of a mix with Kiryu, Kanuma, lava, pumice or another suitable material. The ratio depends on the species, pot and climate.
Akadama darkens when wet and becomes lighter as it dries. Use this change as a cue, but always check moisture inside the pot before watering.
If visible fine dust is present, light sieving or rinsing before use helps keep very fine particles out of the pot. Prolonged soaking is not required.
No. Akadama is an inert substrate with no added fertiliser. Apply feed suitable for the individual bonsai and follow the directions on the fertiliser product.
Over time the grains may begin to break down and drainage may slow. Check the structure, drainage rate and root condition; the right interval varies with species, climate and cultivation.
