DIY Premium Bonsai Soil Kit - Choose Red or Black Lava
This convenient DIY bonsai soil kit includes the three core aggregates many bonsai growers use to create a premium free-draining soil mix: Akadama, Pumice, and your choice of Red Lava or Black Lava.
It is a great solution for growers who want to mix their own bonsai soil without buying large bulk bags of aggregate. Each component is packed separately, making it easy to customize your blend for different trees, species, pot sizes, and watering habits.
Also Known as APL or "Boon Mix"
Many bonsai growers refer to this style of blend as APL, short for Akadama, Pumice, and Lava. You may also hear people call this type of mix "Boon Mix", a nickname commonly used in the bonsai community for an akadama, pumice, and lava-based bonsai soil blend.
This kit gives you those three core ingredients in one convenient purchase, so you can build your own premium APL-style bonsai soil mix without having to buy large bulk bags of each component.
What Is Included
- Akadama - 2.25 Quart Bag
- Pumice - 2.25 Quart Bag
- Your Choice of Lava - 2.25 Quart Bag
Total: 3 separate 2.25 quart bags of premium bonsai soil components.
Why Customers Choose This Kit
- Lets you mix your own premium bonsai soil without committing to bulk aggregate bags
- Each component is packaged separately for flexibility
- Great for repotting projects, custom blends, and learning how soil components work together
- A practical option for hobbyists, collectors, and workshop use
- Provides the three core ingredients many growers want in one easy purchase
Red Lava or Black Lava?
Both options perform the same general job in a bonsai soil mix. For most customers, the main difference is appearance and personal preference.
Choose Red Lava If You Want:
- A more traditional bonsai soil look
- The same general style of lava commonly used in many premium bonsai blends
- A warmer, more classic appearance in the mix
Choose Black Lava If You Want:
- A darker, more understated look
- A soil mix that appears a bit more muted visually
- The same drainage and structural benefits with a different color preference
In simple terms: choose Red Lava if you want the more traditional look, and choose Black Lava if you prefer a darker appearance. Both are excellent options for building a premium bonsai soil mix.
Why These Ingredients Work Well Together
- Akadama: Helps with water balance, structure, and root development
- Pumice: Improves aeration and moisture regulation while supporting feeder roots
- Lava Rock: Adds structure, porosity, and long-term drainage support
Who This Kit Is Best For
- Bonsai growers who want to mix their own soil
- Customers who do not want to purchase large bulk bags of each ingredient
- Repotting deciduous and conifer bonsai
- Growers who want more control over their soil blend
- Anyone who wants to try a premium aggregate-based bonsai mix
A Flexible Alternative to Pre-Mixed Soil
This kit gives you the flexibility to build your own blend rather than buying a ready-mixed soil. That means you can adjust your ratios based on your tree, climate, watering habits, and personal preference.
If you want the components for a premium bonsai soil mix in one convenient purchase, this DIY kit is an easy and practical way to get started.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
