Double Red Line brand of akadama is the most well known brand. It is not as soft as some and is not fired like the hard types. Many people use it straight for deciduous and conifers. It can be mixed with, pumice, kanuma or other favorites.
Akadama is mined in Japan from ancient volcanic “soils”, then spread to dry, and sifted to separate the grain size. The characteristic of this “soil” includes it’s porosity, stability, it’s ability to store water and nutrients and release these to plant roots. It promotes fine hair root growth. We’ve seen incredible differences in root growth on plants grown in akadama/pumice/lava compared to traditional peat moss/bark soils.
Akadama darkens when wet, which provides a visible indicator of when to water your bonsai. This makes it ideal for beginners, who find it hard to maintain the correct moisture level.
Akadama offers all of the requirements for successful bonsai tree growth, and is prized by the bonsai community.

“Die-hard botanists and curious beginners alike will relish this novel approach.” — Family Circle Home Crafts Magazine

“… packed with excellent, full-color photographs on almost every page, illustrating her explicit instructions. Pop Bonsai gives you the how-to information and permission to practice the ancient art of bonsai-but reinvent it for today.” -Washington Post
“Fast forward to modern Japan, with Pop Bonsai by Lisa Tajima, who takes a cheeky new look at bonsai. She shows creations planted in beer cans, galoshes, funny pots. Heer point is to remove the intimidation some gardeners feel about bonsai and to show them how to grow their own inexpensively.” -The Associated Press
“Making the most of miniature verdure, Japanese author Lisa Tajima’s Pop Bonsai updates the traditional art of bonsai by suggesting unusual containers (including beer cans and eggshells) and new tree shapes.” -Time Out New York
“Die-hard botanists and curious beginners alike will relish this novel approach.” -Family Circle Home Crafts Magazine
“…Unique and exuberant take on the ancient hobby of crafting miniature trees, is like nothing I’ve ever seen…. The book provides a wonderfully thorough description of the bonsai technique.” -The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
“What is fun to read, however, are her words about how to use one’s imagination, both in caring for the tree and displaying it. She also offers readers some clear advice on the use of imagination, and how to ‘bend’ that creative tool for one’s own enjoyment. This is a wonderful book for any Midwest gardener who is frustrated during the winter months for wont of the ‘look’ of a green and growing tree….The paperback is $19.95, and worth the price.” -The Star Newspaper (Chicago)
“This how-to book would be of interest to both armchair enthusiasts and those with a true interest in modern art.” -Rafu Shimpo
“Pop bonsai very special. The author has taken the ancient art of bonsai and updated it to suit modern sensibilities, and has banished the use of staid bonsai pots. The results are wild and zany…. Bonsai will never be the same.” -BellaOnline.com
“If you’ve ever entertained any thoughts of getting into bonsai but were put off by the rigidity and rules in this ancient discipline, take note – Pop Bonsai is fun, fun, fun. …the young and young at heart will embrace the whimsy and simplicity in this fresh approach to the cultivation and display of plants and how it can enhance our hectic lifestyles.” -Winnipeg Free Press (Canada)
“After deciding that traditional bonsai practices limited her self-expression, Japanese artist Lisa Tajima began to combine the classic garden art with whimsical containers. She calls it ‘pop bonsai.’… Her bonsai seem to have personalities, and they sometimes appear to work or stand.” -Des Moines Register

Shohin bonsai cost less, take less time to develop, take less space, are easier to move, are less apt to be overwatered, and are a delight to behold. This thorough and beautiful exploration of the art of small bonsai is for experienced bonsai enthusiasts and daring beginners. If you already practice shohin, it will deepen your understanding. If you dont, now is the time to unlock the secrets of small trees.