Buying guide
Soil Mixing Station
Updated How we research
Once you keep more than a few trees, buying bags of finished soil gets expensive and imprecise. Mixing your own means choosing how much water each species holds: akadama for retention, pumice for air, lava rock for structure. Sieve the dust out before it clogs a pot, keep mesh within reach, and stock one premixed bag for the repot you did not plan for. The page is split into six sections (The retention component; Keeping air in the mix; Structure that does not break down; Sorting particle sizes; When you skip the mixing; Holding the mix in the pot), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 24 picks. Our scores range from 5.6 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Soil Sieve Set with 5 Meshes and Bonsai Scoop. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:Bonsai Supply All Purpose Bonsai Soil, 2 Qt. Value score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:Bonsai Jack Pot Mesh Drainage Screens, 2 in, 50. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Horticultural Pumice for Bonsai, 1/4 in, 4 Quarts. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.2/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
The retention component
- ZzbTwinkle Japanese Hard Akadama Soil, 2 lbOur score8.0/10
- NOHOBE Hard Akadama Bonsai Soil, 2.5 lbOur score7.8/10
- NOHOBE Hard Akadama Bonsai Soil, 5 lbOur score7.6/10
- Voulosimi Akadama Soil, 18 lb, 1/4 in Soft-GradeOur score5.6/10
Keeping air in the mix
- Horticultural Pumice for Bonsai, 1/4 in, 4 QuartsOur score8.2/10
- NIPUCK Pumice for Plants, 1/4 in, 2 lbOur score7.6/10
- Bonsai Pumice Soil Additive, 3.5 lbOur score7.1/10
- Horticultural Bonsai Pumice Amendment, 2 lbOur score6.5/10
Structure that does not break down
- The Bonsai Supply Black Lava Rock, 2 Qt, 1/4 inOur score8.2/10
- Bonsaiboy Colorado Lava Rock Granules, 5 lbOur score7.8/10
- CARURBODY Black Lava Rocks for PlantsOur score7.1/10
- Horticultural Lava Pebbles Pumice, 2.2 lbOur score6.6/10
Sorting particle sizes
- Soil Sieve Set with 5 Meshes and Bonsai ScoopOur score8.6/10
- Soil Sieve Set for Bonsai, 12 in, 4 PieceOur score8.1/10
- Japanese Stainless Bonsai Soil Sieve Set, 3 NetsOur score7.8/10
- HIPULX 5-in-1 Soil Sifter SetOur score7.6/10
When you skip the mixing
- Bonsai Supply All Purpose Bonsai Soil, 2 QtOur score8.4/10
- DUSPRO Premium Bonsai Soil MixOur score7.6/10
- GARDENERA Premium Bonsai Soil Mix, 1 QuartOur score7.4/10
- Soil Sunrise Bonsai Potting Mix, 4 QtOur score6.8/10
Holding the mix in the pot
- Bonsai Jack Pot Mesh Drainage Screens, 2 in, 50Our score8.4/10
- Bonsai Drainage Mesh Screens, 2 in, 50 CountOur score7.6/10
- GREGICH Bonsai Pot Drainage Mesh, 2 in, 50 PcsOur score7.6/10
- Nufiwra Flower Pot Mesh Drainage Pad, 18 PcsOur score6.8/10
All 24 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
A stainless steel soil sieve set with 1,3,6,9,12mm mesh screens and a bonsai soil scoop included.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Five mesh sizes including 12mm handle coarse grit and bark
- + Bonsai soil scoop is included for filling pots neatly
- + Stainless mesh stays clean and rust free after rinsing
- - Many screens take more time to swap and keep organized
- - Check the frame diameter if you sift large batches at once
The Bonsai Supply's all purpose fast draining pre blend, 2 quart bag of pumice, lava, calcined clay and pine bark.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Classic pumice, lava and clay blend gives fast drainage
- + Pine bark adds some organic water retention for most species
- + Pre-blended mix removes guesswork for beginners
- - 2 quart bag is small for anyone repotting larger trees
- - Fast draining mix means more frequent watering in summer
Bonsai Jack's 50 count of 2x2 inch ultra rigid bonsai pot mesh drainage screens, pre-cut and ready to use.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ultra rigid screens stay flat and do not sag into drainage holes
- + 50 pre-cut 2x2 inch squares save time cutting mesh rolls
- + Keeps soil in and pests out of the pot drainage holes
- - 2x2 inch squares are too small for very large drainage holes
- - Square shape may overhang slightly in small round pots
Screened 1/4" horticultural pumice in a 4 quarts bag for bonsai, succulent soil mixes and cactus.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 1/4 inch screened size is the classic grain for bonsai mixes
- + Screening removes much of the dust that slows drainage
- + 4 quarts is enough for a sizable batch of mixed soil
- - Screened pumice grade can vary slightly between production batches
- - Pure pumice needs akadama or bark added to hold enough water
The Bonsai Supply's black lava rock, 1/4" particle size in a 2 quarts bag, for bonsai, cactus and aquariums.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + Black lava gives a clean, dark look as a soil component
- + 1/4 inch particles are ideal for standard bonsai soil blends
- + Also safe to use in aquarium and terrarium setups
- - 2 quarts is a small quantity for big outdoor trees
- - Dark color makes it harder to see when soil is dry
A 4pc soil sieve set with a 12 inch diameter stainless steel frame and three interchangeable sieves for bonsai.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + 12 inch diameter speeds up sifting larger soil batches
- + Stainless steel frame is durable enough for years of repotting
- + Three sieves cover the main grain sizes used in bonsai mixes
- - Compare the three mesh sizes to the grain sizes in your own mix
- - Large round frame is bulky to store in small spaces
ZzbTwinkle hard akadama in a 2 lb bag, small 3-6 mm grain, sourced from Ibaraki, Japan. A compact way to try hard akadama for shohin and small bonsai pots.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Listed as pure natural red clay from Ibaraki Prefecture, with no binders, fillers or additives, which suits a classic bonsai mix.
- + Small 3-6 mm grain fits shallow bonsai pots and small trees, and is described as giving steady aeration and drainage.
- + Air-dried in greenhouses for hardness, and the listing says sun-drying for 2-3 days before use can harden it further.
- - Only 2 lb in the bag, so larger repotting jobs will need several bags or a bigger pack of akadama.
- - Hardness is described as varying with the season, so grain durability may differ from bag to bag.
NOHOBE's 2.5lb hard akadama in small 1/8-1/4 inch grain, a soil amendment for bonsai, cactus and succulents.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Hard akadama holds its structure longer than soft grades
- + 1/8-1/4 inch grain fits small and medium bonsai pots well
- + 2.5lb bag is a sensible size for a few repottings
- - Pure akadama drains slower than a mix, so blend with grit for succulents
- - Hard grade can still crumble after several freeze cycles
Bonsaiboy's Colorado lava rock granules, 5 lbs (2.5 Qts.) of bonsai soil additive for drainage and aeration.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Colorado lava granules provide lasting, open soil structure
- + 5 lbs bag is sized for mixing several batches of bonsai soil
- + Bonsaiboy offers bonsai-specific sizing rather than garden grade
- - Rough lava can abrade fine roots when repotting
- - Check the granule size in photos before mixing with fine soil
A Japanese-style stainless steel bonsai soil sieve set with 3 nets, 8.25 x 8.25 x 2.75 inch, for small batches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Stainless steel frame resists rust after sifting damp soil
- + 3 nets handle fine dust, small grain and medium grain grading
- + Compact 8.25 inch frame is easy to use over a bucket indoors
- - Small frame makes sifting large soil batches slow
- - Only 3 nets, so very coarse grains cannot be separated
NOHOBE's 5 lb bag of hard akadama in a 1/8 to 1/4 inch grain, the larger size of the 2.5 lb bag also in this guide. Suits anyone mixing soil for several trees or a full repotting session.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Fired clay from 100 percent natural volcanic soil, with no fillers, dyes or chemicals according to the listing
- + The 1/8 to 1/4 inch grain darkens when wet, which the listing points out as a visual cue for when to water
- + 5 lb is enough to blend with pumice and lava rock for several small pots, or to use as a top dressing
- - Same product as the 2.5 lb NOHOBE bag in this guide, so it only makes sense if you need the extra volume
- - Sold by weight with no volume in quarts or liters stated, which makes it harder to compare with bags sold by volume
NIPUCK 1/4 inch horticultural pumice in a 2 lb bag, screened to 6-9 mm. A small, low-cost way to add aeration and drainage to a bonsai mix.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Screened to 1/4 inch (6-9 mm) for uniform particles, which suits a gritty bonsai mix.
- + Listing describes pH neutral, porous pumice that stays mixed in and does not float up like perlite.
- + Can be rinsed and reused, and also serves as a clean top dressing.
- - Only 2 lb, so mixing for several trees will need more than one bag.
- - Listing warns that some natural dust forms in transit, so rinse before use if you want a clean mix.
HIPULX soil sifter set with five snap-on stainless steel screens (1/8 to 1/2 inch), a shovel and an 11 5/8 inch frame. Sorts bonsai soil, compost and grit by size.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Five screens, 1/8, 3/16, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2 inch, let you grade akadama, pumice and lava rock for bonsai mixes.
- + Snap-on screen changes need no tools, according to the listing.
- + Stainless steel frame with reinforced crossbars, and a shovel is included for scooping.
- - Largest screens (1/2 inch) only; no fine mesh under 1/8 inch for dust removal.
- - 11 5/8 inch frame is made for bucket fit, so check the diameter before using it on a smaller container.
DUSPRO's ready to use premium bonsai soil mix with akadama, pumice, vermiculite and peat moss, 2 qrt.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Akadama in the blend helps roots develop fine feeder growth
- + Vermiculite and peat add moisture retention for indoor trees
- + Ready to use mix is convenient for first-time repotting
- - Peat and vermiculite can hold too much water for junipers and pines
- - Organic content breaks down sooner than all-inorganic blends
Grow A Bonsai Tree's 50 count of rigid 2x2 inch drainage mesh screens for bonsai and flower pots.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 50 rigid screens cover a full season of repotting jobs
- + Works in both bonsai pots and regular flower pots
- + Pre-cut squares are quick to place before adding soil
- - Very similar to other 2x2 inch packs, so compare price per piece
- - No wire tabs, so screens need a wire staple to stay in place
GREGICH's 50 pcs of 2 inch round plastic bonsai mesh pads for covering plant pot drainage holes.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Round 2 inch pads fit neatly over circular drainage holes
- + 50 pieces is plenty for a collection of small and medium pots
- + Plastic mesh will not rust or stain pots
- - Fixed round size may not cover large rectangular pot holes
- - Thin plastic can shift when soil is poured in quickly
GARDENERA's premium all purpose fast draining bonsai soil, 1 quart of pumice, lava, calcined clay and pine bark.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Proven pumice, lava, clay and bark recipe drains quickly
- + Small 1 quart bag is ideal for a single small tree repot
- + Suits most common beginner species like ficus and juniper
- - 1 quart is poor value if you repot several trees
- - Fast draining blend dries out quickly in small pots
A 2 quarts, 3.5LB bag of horticultural bonsai pumice additive for bonsai trees, cactus and succulents.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Both volume and weight are listed, so value is easy to compare
- + Adds long-lasting structure that does not break down like clay
- + Works across bonsai, cactus and succulent soil blends
- - Sift before use in small pots if the grain looks too coarse
- - 2 quarts is a modest amount for anyone mixing large batches
A 2.8 lb bag of black lava rock in roughly 3 to 6 mm pieces, listed for top dressing, bonsai soil additive and drainage layers. A smaller, black option.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + Pieces of about 3 to 6 mm suit small bonsai pots as a top dressing or soil additive
- + Listed as pure volcanic rock with no dyes or chemicals
- + The resealable bag lets you take only the amount you need and store the rest
- - Only 2.8 lb, far less than the old 2 gallon bag, so larger collections need several bags
- - Black rock, not red, so the look on top of the soil is different from the earlier pick
Soil Sunrise all-purpose bonsai potting mix, 4 quarts of all-natural organic nutrient-rich soil mixture.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Ready to use mix saves blending several amendments yourself
- + 4 quarts covers multiple small indoor bonsai repots
- + Organic nutrients support new growth after repotting
- - Organic-rich mixes hold more water than gritty bonsai blends
- - Can break down and compact faster than inorganic soils
Set of 18 polyester mesh sheets, 11.8 by 7.8 inches each, with 1.5 mm holes. Cut to size to cover bonsai pot drainage holes and keep soil in.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10
- + Eighteen sheets of 30 by 20 cm mesh can be cut to cover drainage holes of any size, with plenty to spare.
- + Small 1.5 mm holes are meant to stop soil loss while letting water drain.
- + Polyester material is described as durable and reusable, and the sheets stack easily.
- - Sheets must be cut by hand, so they are less convenient than pre-cut discs for many small pots.
- - Not the rigid Japanese-style mesh of the item it replaces, and the listing gives no stiffness details.
A 2.2lb mix of horticultural lava pebbles and pumice for succulents, cactus, bonsai and decorative gravel.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + Pre-mixed lava and pumice saves buying two separate amendments
- + Gritty blend adds drainage to succulent and bonsai soils
- + Doubles as decorative gravel on the soil surface
- - Unknown ratio of lava to pumice makes recipes hard to repeat
- - 2.2lb bag covers only a few small pots
A 2 LB bag of horticultural bonsai pumice, a small supplement bag for bonsai and indoor cactus plants.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10
- + 2 LB size is handy for topping up soil in a few indoor pots
- + Improves drainage in heavy potting mixes for succulents
- + Porous pumice holds some moisture while staying well aerated
- - Small bag is poor value for full repotting of larger trees
- - Sift before mixing if you want to remove any fine dust
Voulosimi horticultural akadama in an 18 lb bag, 1/4 inch soft-grade clay. A bulk, lower-cost option for soil mixes and top use rather than long-term hard akadama.
Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 5/10 · Value 6/10
- + Large 18 lb quantity is useful if you repot many trees or blend your own bonsai and succulent mixes.
- + Clay is described as holding moisture and encouraging root growth, a standard reason bonsai growers use akadama.
- + 1/4 inch grain size suits general bonsai and cactus mixes and works as a soil additive.
- - Sold as soft-grade akadama, which the listing implies breaks down sooner than hard akadama in a tree that stays potted for years.
- - Listing is thin on origin and processing detail, and the feature bullets say little about grain consistency.
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Bonsai Nest curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.