Akadama & Hyuga Pumice Media Pair
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Two Japanese growing-media components
This pair brings together the very popular Ibaraki Hard Akadama, Small (3–5 mm), and Japanese Hyuga Pumice, Small (3–6 mm). Supplied as separate ingredients rather than a premixed substrate, they allow you to adjust the balance of moisture retention, drainage and aeration for your species, container and watering routine.
What is included?
- Ibaraki Hard Akadama, Small, 3–5 mm: Japanese granular growing medium with moisture- and nutrient-retaining properties. The particles darken when wet, providing a useful visual indication of surface moisture.
- Japanese Hyuga Pumice, Small, 3–6 mm: Porous volcanic aggregate from Japan that retains moisture within its structure while contributing drainage and aeration to the mix.
Select the bag size for each component using the available options. Akadama is offered in 2 L, 5 L and 14 L bags; Hyuga pumice in 2 L, 5 L and 18 L bags. The quantity of each ingredient depends on your selections. Images illustrate example bag pairings; packaging varies with bag size.
Mix your own or choose a premium blend?
Choose the Media Pair for control over your recipe, or a sifted premium blend for the convenience of a premixed medium. Match the choice to your tree, container, growing conditions and watering routine.
| Option | What you receive | Moisture and preparation | Choose this when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akadama & Hyuga Pumice Media Pair | Separate bags of small-grade akadama (3–5 mm) and Hyuga pumice (3–6 mm). No lava rock or Agricarb is included in this pair. | You control the proportions. Trial 1:1 by volume, or 2:1 akadama to pumice for a greater moisture reserve. Sift out dust before mixing. | You want to tailor your own mix for different trees or conditions, rather than use a fixed formulation. |
| Premium Conifer Blend, Sifted | A premixed combination of akadama, pumice and lava rock in approximately equal proportions, with 5% Agricarb biochar. | Holds less water than the Deciduous Blend. Professionally sifted to remove particles smaller than 2.4 mm; some fines can develop during transport. | You prefer a premixed option developed for pines, junipers and other conifers, or trees and conditions calling for lower moisture retention. |
| Premium Deciduous Blend, Sifted | A premixed combination of 47.5% akadama, 23.75% pumice, 23.75% lava rock and 5% Agricarb biochar. | Its higher akadama proportion provides greater water retention than the Conifer Blend. Professionally sifted to remove particles smaller than 2.4 mm; some fines can develop during transport. | You prefer a premixed option developed for maples, elms and other deciduous trees, also suited to olives and figs. |
The Media Pair is not the same recipe as either premium blend. Its final moisture retention depends on the proportions you mix; there is no fixed moisture ranking against the premixed products.
Suggested mixing ratios
- Balanced starting point: mix 1 part akadama with 1 part Hyuga pumice by volume.
- For trees requiring a greater moisture reserve: trial 2 parts akadama to 1 part Hyuga pumice, while checking that the root ball drains and remains adequately aerated.
These ratios are starting points, not universal recipes. Measure with the same scoop rather than by weight. Bag selections do not automatically create a particular ratio, especially when choosing the 14 L akadama and 18 L pumice options.
Choosing a mix for South African conditions
A suitable combination can be used for established bonsai such as pines, junipers, maples, elms, olives and figs, with the proportions adjusted to the tree and growing conditions. Hot wind, shallow containers and exposed benches can accelerate drying, while sheltered positions and persistent rain may call for a more open mix and a different watering routine.
Sift out dust before use and select particle sizes appropriate to your tree and pot. Check moisture within the root ball rather than relying on surface colour alone. These growing-media components do not replace a suitable fertilising programme.
For species-by-species starting points and an explanation of each component's role, read The Ultimate Bonsai Growing Medium.
