Akadama Japanese Bonsai Soil 18 Liter (4 Gal+) Med Gr Start Price USD 32.95 Current Price USD 32.95 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 01, 2008 End Time Monday, September 08, 2008 Location San Francisco, California See more about 'Akadama Japanese Bonsai Soil 18 Liter (4 Gal+) Med Gr ' Description Bonsai Tools Bonsai Supplies Akadama Bonsai Pots Bonsai Books Bonsai Trees Garden Tools Mudmen & Accent Figure Japanese Chef Knives This is a superior soil for your bonsai. Japanese masters use akadama for their highest quality bonsai – both to promote root growth and provide a medium for optimal water and nutrient retention. Akadama is time tested over centuries in Japan.  It is mined from ancient volvanic “soils”, then spread to dry and sifted to separate the grain sizes.  In addition to bonsai, akadama has universal uses due to its ability to hold water and nutrients without being water logged.  The characteristics of this “soil” includes it’s porosity, stability and it’s ability to store water and mineral nutrients and release these to plant roots.  Akadama facilitates fine hair root growth.  It is ideal for pot growth because of its properties of moisture retention, drainage and air space.  Peat, compost and humus can increase fertility but rapidly break down in container culture because of frequent watering.  These organic materials retain water and increase the risk of root rot.   Akadama is a great general use “soil” or as an additive to other mixes.  All plants do well in akadama, including azaleas.  I use akadama straight for struggling plants and have great results.  I have seen incredible differences in root growth on plants grown in akadama, mainly for its ability to promote fine hair roots.  It simplifies repotting chores since roots are fibrous rather and hard and thick.  This makes it easier on hands and tools also. Akadama is what the Japanese use and the best soil to use with any bonsai.  Adadama is ideal for all bonsai and plants because it tells you when to water, promotes fine feeder roots and is long lasting.  When akadama is a light tan color, that means it is dry and when it is a dark brown color, that means it has enough water for the bonsai.  You can not over water with akadama.   I have found by using akadama that my bonsai do much better, look healthier and are all around easier to care for.  It is amazing the difference I have noticed since changing over, and now I ask why I hadn't looked into akadama sooner.  The akadama is imported from Japan.  This listing is for the full 18 liter (4 gallon) bag as it comes from Japan.  This listing is for the medium size granules, approx. 1/4-3/4", I also have the small size, which is approx 1/8-1/4".  If you want other amounts or soil size please see my store for listings for 1 quart up to 18 liters (4 gal.) full bag.    Akadama is very form-stable, and decomposes very slowly. Depending upon quality of the assigned substrate it should be exchanged after 3-7 years. This also depends on salt build-up due to watering and fertilizing.  While Akadama loses it qualities slowly its ability to absorb salts and other minerals causes a loss of air permeability, and the salt rises and thus the humidity in the soil rises.  Substantial advantages are lost and an exchange becomes necessary. Akadama with smaller granulations can be used well for younger plants, which are more frequently repotted.   Good Reasons To Buy From Us   Ø     Fast, Reliable Service Ø     Affordable, Fast and Reasonable Shipping Ø     Rising Fuel Costs Make Buying From Us Cheaper Than Driving Around Ø     Great Prices and High Quality Items Ø     Expert Advice and Experience Ø     Satisfaction Guaranteed Ø     Responsive to Your Inquiries Ø     Our Feedback Says It All   ‘Thanks Maiban.. Quick shipment and good deal for the price... A++++’ ‘Extremely pleased. Just as described. Shipped very fast. 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At auction end, or if you purchased an item using the \"Buy It Now\" button, you will receive an email from eBay at your email address on file with instruction on how to pay for your purchases. If you are bidding on more than one auction, and the auctions all end within a 5 day period, wait until the last auction ends, then make payment from the final email you receive from us. All your purchases will be combined on the final invoice and the shipping discounts will be automatically calculated.   SHIPPING POLICY: We ship by best and safest way possible, our feedback shows this. We combine shipping on mulitiple items to save you on shipping costs. For combined shipping, place orders but do not check out, when done shopping send us request for combined total. We will send you an invoice with the correct adjusted total. We welcome international buyers and will work with you to give you the same savings.   REFUND POLICY: If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you can return your item-s, within 10 days for a prompt refund or exchange. The original shipping and handling charges are not refundable. If you have an exchange for the same dollar amount as the original purchase, no additional shipping or handling charges will be incurred. Please mail your package in a prepaid package to us, or use the original packing and mark return to sender for no shipping cost to you.       Sign up for my email newsletters by adding my eBay Store to your Favorites PayPal—eBay's service to make fast, easy, and secure payments for your eBay purchases!  Please visit my store www.maibanbonsai.com for many more items related to bonsai. Thank you for looking. Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. Click Here. Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE! On Jul-14-08 at 00:07:29 PDT, seller added the following information:   PAYMENT POLICY: We accept PayPal, all major credit cards, money orders or cashier\'s checks. If paying by money order or cashier\'s check, please notify us that payment is being mailed. PAYING FOR MULTIPLE ITEMS: You can SAVE ON SHIPPING CHARGES when paying for multiple items on one invoice! Payment for purchases may be combined if all purchases are made within a five (5) day period. At auction end, or if you purchased an item using the \"Buy It Now\" button, you will receive an email from eBay at your email address on file with instruction on how to pay for your purchases. If you are bidding on more than one auction, and the auctions all end within a 5 day period, wait until the last auction ends, then make payment from the final email you receive from us. All your purchases will be combined on the final invoice and the shipping discounts will be automatically calculated. SHIPPING POLICY: We ship by best and safest way possible, our feedback shows this. We combine shipping on mulitiple items to save you on shipping costs. For combined shipping, place orders but do not check out, when done shopping send us request for combined total. We will send you an invoice with the correct adjusted total. We welcome international buyers and will work with you to give you the same savings. REFUND POLICY: If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you can return your item-s, within 10 days for a prompt refund or exchange. The original shipping and handling charges are not refundable. If you have an exchange for the same dollar amount as the original purchase, no additional shipping or handling charges will be incurred. Please mail your package in a prepaid package to us, or use the original packing and mark return to sender for no shipping cost to you.   Paypal: When paying for multiple items on one invoice! Payment for purchases may be combined if all purchases are made within a five (5) day period. At auction end, or if you purchased an item using the \"Buy It Now\" button, you will receive an email from eBay at your email address on file with instruction on how to pay for your purchases. If you are bidding on more than one auction, and the auctions all end within a 5 day period, wait until the last auction ends, then make payment from the final email you receive from us. All your purchases will be combined on the final invoice and the shipping discounts will be automatically calculated Place a Bid!