Akadama Granular Soil

Akadama, aka red ball earth, is a naturally occurring, a granular clay-like mineral used as soil for bonsai trees and other container-grown plants. The king of weak acidity, water retention, and breathability, made from volcanic ash and widely cultivated in Japan. Obvious discoloration after water absorption can help observe the degree of dry and wet soil and judge the watering cycle. Akadama’s color darkens when moist which can help the grower determine when to water a tree.

However, it is easy to cause soil compaction due to pulverization, so it is not recommended to use in large amounts.

Akadama is a fundamental component of bonsai soil. It is used throughout Japan as a potting medium for both bonsai and general gardening purposes. More and more, it is used around the world in the cultivation of bonsai.

The term akadama is Japanese for the words “red” – the color of the particles – and “ball” – the shape of the particles. These particles are balls of volcanic clay that have been mined and naturally dried or baked to a desired hardness. The dried particles are then sifted and bagged for distribution.