Thank you for your reply. I asked because my Bonsai Teacher told me once
that he uses a kind of artificial sand, and I am sorry to say, but I guess I
don't really know the name in English (it is a kind of "mica" or "silica").
According to him, the sand wouldn't clog or retain water, by the contrary,
its use helps the mix to drain. Actually I use lava rock to help the mix
drain, but I was thinking to change to sand, as a matter of fact, I have
already bought a small plastic bag to try with some new project.

Roberto

-----Mensaje original-----
De: Jim ]
Enviado el: Viernes, 20 de Mayo de 2005 11:51 a.m.
Para: Roberto Alday Delgadillo
Asunto: Builders Sand (Growing Beds)


No, actually I don't use any "sand" in any mix. When I first started in
bonsai I read about the Japanese using "sand" as a component, so I used it
also, but the mix always stayed wet (sand drains poorly). Later I read
that they used "sand" from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in their mix. It is a matter of
semantics; and translation; "sand" that size is what we call "gravel" in
our English language. When I used gravel in my mix it solved all my
problems.

So, be careful in what one reads and ascertain the translation.

jim

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