-by Yang (Photos&Texts)
The term Akadama is Japanese (あかだまつち) for the wordsあか(aka) ‘red’- describes the colour, だま(dama)‘ball’ – describes the shape.
Akadama is a naturally occurring volcanic clay occurs in volcanic origin (eg. the island of Honshu, Japan), naturally dried or baked to a desired hardness. They have been widely used by Bonsai Artists all over the world in the cultivation of plants.
Usage of Akadama
Use as Soil Mix
It can be used alone or mixed in as an amendment to other soil substrates such as kanuma, perlite, pumice, lava rock, coco coir, bark, etc
Use as Topping
In the areas where the wind is relatively strong, it can also be used as topping soil.
Akadama Soil
Main Components of Akadama :
- SiO2(silicon dioxide) 42.7%
- CaO(calcium oxide) 0.98%
- MgO(magnesium oxide) 2.5%
- MnO(manganese oxide) 0.15%
- Fe2O3(iron oxide) 8.4%
- Al2O3(aluminium oxide) 25.1%
- EC value 0.052 ms/cm
- pH 6.9
- Water absorption 20%
Akadama Soil
What are the Advantages of Akadama in Succulent care?
Excellent Drainage
Provides drainage and aeration for healthy root growth.
Visual Indicator
It changes colour (it darkens) when wet which provides a VISUAL INDICATOR of when to water your plant.
Hard to Dissolve
High grade hard variety do not crumble easily which prevent the soil mixture from dissolving quickly and sludge.
No Soil Disease
No Organic Component decreases the risk of soil infection and disease.
Cation Exchange Capacity
Has high cation exchange capacity (nutrient holding capacity).
What are the Disadvantages of Akadama in Succulent care?
Akadama is dimensionally hardly compacts and decomposes very slow. Nevertheless, it still crumbles in few years, structure deteriorates, the air permeability decreases and the salt content increases.
By changing the soil every 3-5 years (depending on the quality of the Akadama soil) will overcome this problem.
What are the qualities of Akadama in the market?
Soft quality: 上質, Jōshitsu. Up to 3 years structural stability. Can be used for succulents which growing fast and needs frequently repotting. (eg. Crassula, Sedum varieties)
Hard quality: 硬質, Kōshitsu. 4-5 years structural stability. Good for all types of succulents especially for elder succulents which need compact structure and vibrant colour.
Extra hard quality. This Akadama is mined from deeper layers, heated at 250-300°C after processing.
