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 6.1 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:Soil Sieve Set Garden Soils Sifter Stainless Steel Mesh Sifters with 1,3,6,9,12mm Mesh and Bonsai Soil Scoop. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:ZzbTwinkle Japanese Super Hard Akadama Bonsai Soil - Small Grain (3-6mm), 2 lb (1.2 QT) Premium Volcanic Clay Medium. Value score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:The Bonsai Supply Bonsai Soil All Purpose Mix, Fast Draining Pre Blend (2 Quart Bag) Pumice, Lava, Calcined Clay and Pine Bark. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:Bonsai Jack 50 Count 2x2 Inch Ultra Rigid Bonsai Pot Mesh Drainage Screens. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
The retention component
- ZzbTwinkle Japanese Super Hard Akadama Bonsai Soil - Small Grain (3-6mm), 2 lb (1.2 QT) Premium Volcanic Clay MediumOur score8.4/10
- NOHOBE 2.5lb Hard Akadama Bonsai Soil 1/8-1/4 inch Small Grain for Cactus, Succulents, Bonsai Plants Soil AmendmentOur score7.8/10
- Sukh 890g Akadama Soil Bonsai Soil - Akadama Bonsai Potting Soil Pon Substrate for Outdoor Indoor PlantsOur score6.3/10
- Sukh 400g Akadama Soil Bonsai Soil - Akadama Bonsai Potting Soil Pon Substrate for Outdoor Indoor PlantsOur score6.1/10
Keeping air in the mix
- Horticultural Pumice for Plants 1/4" Soil Amendment for Bonsai, Succulent Soil Mix, and Cactus, Screened Volcanic Rock (4 Quarts)Our score8.2/10
- Horticultural Bonsai Pumice Soil Amendment for Bonsai and Cactus Plants, 4QTOur score7.3/10
- Horticultural Bonsai Pumice Soil Additive (2 Quarts), 3.5LB Ideal Substrate for Bonsai Trees, Cactus and SucculentsOur score7.1/10
- Horticultural Bonsai Pumice Soil Amendment (2 LB), Supplement for Bonsai and Cactus Indoor PlantsOur score6.5/10
Structure that does not break down
- The Bonsai Supply Black Lava Rock, 2 Quarts Bag, 1/4" Particle Size, Soil Aggregate for Bonsai, Cactus, Succulents and AquariumsOur score8.2/10
- Bonsaiboy Colorado Lava Rock Granules Bonsai Tree Soil Additive - 5 lbs. (2.5 Qts.)Our score7.8/10
- Red Lava Rock - Bonsai Cactus Succulents Soil Top Dressing 2 GAL (12.5 Lbs. Approx)Our score7.3/10
- Mix Horticultural Lava Pebbles Pumice Potting Soil Amendment Succulent Cactus Bonsai Gritty Rock Decorative Gravel 2.2lbOur score6.6/10
Sorting particle sizes
- Soil Sieve Set Garden Soils Sifter Stainless Steel Mesh Sifters with 1,3,6,9,12mm Mesh and Bonsai Soil ScoopOur score8.6/10
- Bonsai Soil Sifter Set for Gardening - Soil Sieve with 5 Interchangeable Mesh, 1mm to 9mmOur score8.2/10
- 4pc Soil Sieve Set, 12 Inch Diameter - Stainless Steel Frame with Three Interchangeable Sieves for BonsaiOur score8.1/10
- Japanese Stainless Steel Bonsai Tool Soil Sieve Set with 3 Nets, 8.25 x 8.25 x 2.75 InchOur score7.8/10
When you skip the mixing
- The Bonsai Supply Bonsai Soil All Purpose Mix, Fast Draining Pre Blend (2 Quart Bag) Pumice, Lava, Calcined Clay and Pine BarkOur score8.4/10
- DUSPRO Premium Bonsai Soil Mix Ready to Use Pre-Mixed with Akadama, Pumice, Vermiculite and Peat Moss, 2 QrtOur score7.6/10
- GARDENERA Premium Bonsai Soil All Purpose Fast Draining Mix - 1 Quart - Pumice, Lava, Calcined Clay and Pine BarkOur score7.4/10
- Soil Sunrise All-Purpose Bonsai Potting Mix (4 Quarts) All-Natural Organic Nutrient-Rich Bonsai Soil MixtureOur score6.8/10
Holding the mix in the pot
- Bonsai Jack 50 Count 2x2 Inch Ultra Rigid Bonsai Pot Mesh Drainage ScreensOur score8.4/10
- Bonsai Pot Drainage Mesh Netting - Japanese Imported Screen - Five 4 x 12 Inch SheetsOur score7.8/10
- Grow A Bonsai Tree 50 Count 2x2 Inch Rigid Bonsai and Flower Pot Drainage Mesh ScreensOur score7.6/10
- GREGICH Bonsai Mesh for Plant Pot Drainage Screen 2 Inch, 50 Pcs Plastic Round Pot Hole Screen Cover PadsOur score7.6/10
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.
#1A 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
#2ZzbTwinkle's Japanese super hard akadama, small grain (3-6mm), 2 lb (1.2 QT) of volcanic clay for bonsai.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Super hard grade resists breakdown for longer between repottings
- + Small 3-6mm grain suits shohin and indoor bonsai pots
- + Stated grain size makes mixing a consistent soil blend easy
- - 2 lb bag runs out quickly when repotting larger trees
- - Small grain can pack tighter than medium grain in big pots
#3The 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
#4Bonsai 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
#5Screened 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
#6The 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
#7A bonsai soil sifter set with 5 interchangeable mesh screens from 1mm to 9mm for grading and de-dusting soil.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 5 mesh sizes from 1mm to 9mm cover dust removal and grain grading
- + Interchangeable screens share one frame, so storage stays compact
- + Sifting out fines keeps bonsai soil draining freely for longer
- - Frame width may be tight for sifting large soil batches at once
- - Changing screens between passes slows down large batches
#8A 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
#9NOHOBE'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
#10Bonsaiboy'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
#11A 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
#12Five 4 x 12 inch sheets of Japanese imported bonsai pot drainage mesh netting to cut to any hole size.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Cut-to-size sheets fit unusual or oversized drainage holes
- + Japanese imported mesh is made specifically for bonsai use
- + Five sheets yield many screens when cut into small squares
- - Requires scissors and time to cut each screen by hand
- - Softer netting can bulge if not secured with wire
#13DUSPRO'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
#14Grow 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
#15GREGICH'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
#16GARDENERA'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
#17A 4QT bag of horticultural bonsai pumice, a soil amendment that adds drainage and aeration for bonsai and cactus.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Pumice keeps soil open so roots get oxygen after watering
- + 4QT bag covers several repottings or a large mix batch
- + Lightweight pumice keeps pots easier to move than heavy grit
- - Sift out any fine dust before mixing into potting soil
- - Pumice floats when first watered and can wash out of shallow pots
#18A 2 GAL bag of red lava rock, about 12.5 Lbs, for bonsai, cactus and succulent soil and top dressing.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Red lava adds drainage and a warm color as a top dressing
- + 2 gallon bag gives plenty for mixing and dressing many pots
- + Lava rock does not break down, so soil stays open for years
- - Heavy bag, so it adds noticeable weight to large pots
- - Screen out fines before mixing for the cleanest drainage
#19A 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
#20Soil 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
#21A 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
#22A 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
#23Sukh's 890g akadama bonsai potting soil, a larger bag of the same pon-style substrate for mixing mixes.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10
- + 890g bag gives enough akadama for a few small repottings
- + Blends well with pumice and lava for a classic bonsai mix
- + Suits both indoor and outdoor trees according to the listing
- - Grain size varies by batch, so sift before use in small pots
- - Softer akadama breaks into mud faster in freezing climates
#24Sukh's 400g akadama bonsai soil, a small trial bag of Japanese-style clay substrate for indoor or outdoor plants.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10
- + 400g bag is a cheap way to try akadama before buying in bulk
- + Akadama holds water and air well, which suits most bonsai roots
- + Useful as a top dressing or mixed with pumice and lava
- - Small bag covers only one or two little pots
- - Softer akadama batches can break down into mud faster in freezing climates
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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.