In a message dated 11/5/2004 6:36:19 PM Eastern Standard Time,
writes:

However the brick-grit has an advantage. It absorbs water and is also
light weight. So many Indian Bonsaiests use it. I wonder if this can be a
substitute in the West!


Basically that is Turface. Turface is a fired clay particle, but it is
made directly not broken down from bricks. In the US Turface is used on
athletic fields and golf courses to adsorb moisture in wet areas. It is relatively
available in most parts of the US.
However, the "course sand" being discussed here is used as a drainage
component of the soil and we don't want it to hold water.

Bonsai soils in the US are frequently made up of three components in
varying proportions depending upon the preference of the grower and the plant
being grown.

1. A moisture retentive component such as Turface.

2. An organic component such as composted pine bark.

3. A drainage component such as "course sand," pea gravel or pumice.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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