Japanese Shohin Akadama Traditional Bonsai Soil

Name: Japanese Shohin Akadama Traditional Bonsai Soil
SKU: 66716
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.00 (6 reviews)

From: £4.00

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Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 6 customer ratings

(6 customer reviews)

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Akadama Japanese Bonsai Soil – Traditional, High-Quality Growing Medium | Ideal for Bonsai, Terrariums, and Kokedama

Experience the finest in bonsai care with Akadama Japanese Bonsai Soil, a traditional and original bonsai growing medium used by enthusiasts and professionals alike. This high-quality soil is perfect for both indoor and outdoor bonsai, offering excellent water retention, aeration, and root support.

Key Features:

Traditional Akadama Soil: Sourced from Japan, Akadama soil is a premium bonsai substrate that has been used for centuries to cultivate strong, healthy bonsai plants.
Versatile Use: This soil can be used as a stand-alone growing medium or mixed with other components, such as pumice or lava rock, to create the perfect soil blend for your bonsai trees.
Popular for Bonsai: Ideal for classic bonsai varieties like Japanese Maple, Juniper, Pine, Ficus, and Azalea bonsai trees. Whether you’re growing a delicate indoor bonsai or a hardy outdoor species, Akadama provides optimal root health and growth.
Perfect for Terrariums and Kokedama: Beyond bonsai, Akadama soil is also an excellent medium for creating moss balls, terrariums, and Kokedama (Japanese moss-covered plant balls), making it a versatile choice for various indoor gardening projects.
Improves Drainage and Aeration: Akadama soil’s natural composition helps retain moisture while ensuring excellent drainage and aeration, preventing root rot and promoting healthy root growth.

Made in Ibarki, Japan

How to Use:

As a Growing Medium: Use Akadama soil alone or mix it with other bonsai soil components such as pumice or lava rock for improved drainage and airflow.
Bonsai Soil Component: Mix Akadama with other substrates to create the ideal bonsai soil blend. It’s suitable for indoor and outdoor bonsai species, providing your plants with the nutrients and support they need to thrive.
Terrariums and Moss Balls: Perfect for creating lush moss terrariums or supporting Marimo moss balls and other plant varieties in decorative terrariums and containers.
Kokedama: Use Akadama soil to wrap the roots of plants in a ball of soil and moss, creating beautiful and easy-to-care-for Kokedama arrangements.

Akadama Japanese Bonsai Soil is the ultimate choice for anyone serious about bonsai care, offering traditional Japanese quality and versatility for a range of plant projects. Whether you’re growing bonsai trees, crafting terrariums, or making Kokedama, Akadama soil ensures your plants have the best possible growing environment.

What is Akadama Soil?

Akadama soil is a premium, granular clay soil that originates from Japan. It’s highly valued in bonsai cultivation for its excellent water retention, drainage, and aeration properties. Akadama, which translates to “red ball earth,” is a volcanic byproduct that is naturally porous, making it ideal for supporting healthy root systems. This soil has been traditionally used for centuries in Japan and around the world by bonsai enthusiasts and professionals to create the perfect growing environment for their plants.

How Does Akadama Soil Benefit Bonsai?

Akadama soil plays a crucial role in bonsai care. Its unique properties provide the balance between moisture retention and proper drainage, ensuring that the delicate roots of bonsai trees stay healthy without becoming waterlogged. The soil particles allow for excellent aeration, which encourages root growth and reduces the risk of root rot—a common issue with less effective soils.

Because of its ability to gradually break down over time, Akadama soil is often used in combination with other substrates such as pumice, lava rock, or organic compost to maintain long-term structure in bonsai soil mixtures. This allows the grower to better manage moisture levels and provide the best environment for their bonsai to thrive.

Traditional Use and History

Akadama has a long history in Japan as the go-to soil for bonsai enthusiasts. Its use dates back to ancient times when Japanese gardeners recognized its superior qualities for growing miniature trees in pots. Traditionally harvested from specific regions in Japan, Akadama has been a critical component in creating the iconic bonsai landscapes we see today.

Japanese growers have relied on Akadama to replicate the natural conditions of trees growing in rocky or mountainous regions. It became a standard in the cultivation of popular bonsai species such as Japanese Maple, Pine, Juniper, and Azalea, known for their intricate root systems that benefit from Akadama’s aeration and water management.

Despite its centuries-old origins, Akadama soil remains the preferred choice for bonsai cultivation today. It’s respected not only for its traditional use but also for its proven effectiveness in modern bonsai care.

Can I use this soil for plants other than bonsai, like terrariums or Kokedama?: Yes, it’s excellent for a variety of uses! You can create lush moss terrariums or use it to form moss-covered Kokedama balls. Its properties help maintain the right moisture level and provide good aeration around the roots.
How often should I replace the Akadama soil in my bonsai pot?: Akadama soil typically breaks down over a few years, which affects its drainage and aeration qualities. It’s advisable to replace it every 2-3 years to ensure your bonsai continues to thrive.
Is Akadama soil suitable for beginners interested in starting bonsai?: Definitely! Its forgiving nature in terms of moisture and aeration makes it a great choice for beginners. It helps prevent issues like root rot, making it easier to maintain healthy bonsai trees.

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5.0

Based on 1,435 reviews

5 star	96	96%
4 star	3	3%
3 star	1	1%
2 star	0	0%
1 star	0	0%

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1-5 of 1435 reviews

Dawn
Reviewer

September 14, 2025

Highland Moss
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The moss arrived on the day promised. It was extremely well packaged. We laid it in the hedgehog Safe Garden until Orna’s leg is strong enough for her to be released. She likes it so much she is digging bits up and making a nice soft bed. Thank you to the Highland Moss team for all their advice in the choice of moss.

(0) (0)
Heather Thompson
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September 13, 2025

Highland Moss
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Always super friendly and helpful staff when i go in for my plants 🙂

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Anonymous
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September 13, 2025

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In store purchase

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September 11, 2025

Highland Moss
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Customer service brilliant!!! Delivery always great.

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Erin F.
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September 11, 2025

Highland Moss
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Perfect customer service & always welcoming when visiting the store

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6 reviews for Japanese Shohin Akadama Traditional Bonsai Soil

5.0

Based on 6 reviews

5 star	100	100%
4 star		0%
3 star		0%
2 star		0%
1 star		0%

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1-5 of 6 reviews

Elaine M.
Verified owner

July 7, 2025

Verified review – view original
Looks great. Not used it yet as I’ve discovered from many online tutorials that I practically need a degree in all things Bonsai before I undertake such a task.

(0) (0)
Raymond W.
Verified owner

April 19, 2025

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(0) (0)
lauren wyatt
Verified owner

January 22, 2025

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So happy they had this amazing soil specially for our little bonsai

(0) (0)
Anonymous
Verified owner

November 23, 2024

(0) (0)
Anonymous
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December 2, 2022

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SKU: 66716 Categories: Plant Care, Soil Tag: soil

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