Is Cactus Soil Good for Bonsai? (Which is Better?)

Cultivating bonsai trees is time-consuming and requires substantial effort on your part. 

For this reason, you’ll want to make sure you get the process right from the beginning. 

And making sure everything goes as planned includes using appropriate soil. 

Of course, soil plays an essential role in the health of your bonsai tree, so you must choose the right one. 

Cactus soil is a perfectly viable option for bonsai trees that is a less expensive alternative to the ready-made specialty ranges.

Continue reading to find out how to use cactus soil for bonsai and what the pros and cons of this medium are.

What Is Cactus Soil?

First of all, what is cactus soil, and what makes it different from other soils?

Cactus soil – also known as cactus potting mix – is a unique soil design suitable for cactus plants’ shallow root systems. 

The main ingredients of this medium are inorganic materials like gravel, sand, perlite, and pumice. 

These substances are ideal for cactus growth as they provide excellent drainage.

But, though we call it a “soil,” cactus mix actually contains no soil at all. 

Instead, each compound has a varied ratio of non-soil ingredients depending on the type. 

Yet, overall, the primary purpose of this soil is to create a porous environment that provides sufficient aeration to the roots.

Generally, you can find cactus soil at most garden centers and nurseries. 

And sourcing a premium product (instead of mixing your own) means that the balance of ingredients will be just right for your plant cultivation. 

Which Is Better: Cactus Soil or Bonsai Soil?

If you have the money, bonsai soil is the best option for a pre-made blend cultivated explicitly for growing bonsai. 

The main issue is the cost, though, which leads people to create their own mixes. 

However, DIY blends don’t always contain the right amount of ingredients and can be more harmful than helpful in bonsai cultivation.

But luckily, you can use pre-made cactus soil for your bonsai as long as you get the right mix. 

One of the main reasons cactus soil is suitable for bonsai growing lies in its ultra-porous properties. 

It suitably retains water without breaking down or condensing. 

So, if you get the right mix, cactus soil can be just as beneficial for bonsai cultivation as specialized mixtures. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Cactus Soil for Bonsai?

The super porous qualities of cactus soil allow your bonsai enough space to flourish because you need to allow for proper root development to get a healthy bonsai. 

And the porous properties of the right soil mix will significantly increase your chances of success.

Cactus mixes retain the optimum amount of moisture between waterings to nourish your bonsai without drowning the roots.

Additionally, many soils break up and condense over time, whereas cactus soil remains unchanged. 

Thus, you don’t have to worry about whether your bonsai has too much or too little water. 

Therefore, your plant receives adequate aeration. 

Plus, most bonsai grown in this environment can allow their roots to grow free while accessing a constant oxygen supply.

However, some people are worried because cactus soil doesn’t contain organic compounds, so they think it can’t be healthy for their plants. 

But, while organic compounds can benefit some plants, they often create a lack of drainage. 

For a bonsai tree, drainage is an integral part of its wellbeing, without which the roots will rot. 

So, the inorganic materials that compose cactus soil come with an added benefit. 

They hold trace amounts of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other vital minerals that aid in the growth of a healthy tree.

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Cactus Soil for Bonsai?

The most challenging aspect of substituting bonsai soil for cactus soil is the extra effort you have to put into finding the right mix for your plant. 

You may not have the time or resources to carry out tests, and unfortunately, a bonsai tree has a longer recovery period than most plants. 

So if you get it wrong, it could end up costing you.

Another issue you could face is the lightweight nature of cactus soil. 

While this type of soil is fine for small bonsai trees, it may not possess sufficient weight to hold a larger one. 

If you want to use cactus mix for bigger trees, though, try combining it with calcined clay or lava rock. 

These materials increase the weight of your mixture, providing added stability for the tree.

Is Cactus Soil the Same as Bonsai Soil?

These two soil types possess many of the same qualities, such as an unchangeable medium, adequate drainage, and sufficient aeration.

Cactus soil is mainly gravel, sand, perlite, pumice, and peat moss. 

Yet, while bonsai soil shares pumice and gravel as similar components, it also possesses different ingredients. 

These include akadama, lava rock, and organic potting compost.

However, the composition of these two soils is very similar. 

The main difference is the ratio of ingredients used. 

But, you can alter these ratios for your plant or for the climate of the plant’s location. 

For instance, if you lack time to keep a regular eye on your plant, try adding akadama or potting compost to increase the water retention of the mix.

How Do I Get the Right Cactus Soil Mix for My Bonsai?

There’s no better method than trial and error when it comes to an individual plant. 

The problem is that if you continuously get the mix wrong, you could do irreparable damage to your bonsai.

Generally, you mostly need to consider the size and weight of your tree, as mentioned above. 

But also, if your tree thrives on a little added moisture, you can try combining some composted bark to increase water retention levels.

Can I Use Regular Potting Mix for My Bonsai?

If you’re serious about cultivating a healthy bonsai tree, then a traditional potting mix is not a good option. 

Bonsai and cactus soils have adequate drainage and retain water well, and other soils don’t have these qualities. 

While growing bonsai in a regular potting mix is possible, it will take a considerable amount of time and energy to combine the mixture with the right ingredients for your plant. 

When you consider the cost of a cactus soil mix (which already contains most of the necessary elements), this extra effort doesn’t seem worth it.

Conclusion

If you don’t have the funds to cover the cost of specially made bonsai soil, then a cactus mix is a great alternative. 

Though it may require a little extra care and effort on your part, getting the right cactus soil will allow your bonsai to flourish.

Carrying many of the essential properties that bonsai requires – such as decent drainage and good water retention – you can get excellent results from this cheap alternative product.