Question
I've grown indoor bonsai for years. Lately I've been reading that Zeolite is a good soil amendment for bansai and house plants. Can you give me the pros and cons of using this material.

Thank You...

Answer
Hi Philip,

Zeolite is not something that I have used myself so I have no first hand experience with it. However, it should work well as a soil amendment for you. Its primary advantage is its ability to absorb several times its weight in water and release it slowly to the roots as needed. Its porosity also allows the soil to retain air pockets and that helps to prevent root rot.

I am not aware of any disadvantages in using it other than the fact that it has no nutrient value itself. But that is also true of perlite, vermiculite and sand. Availibilty and cost could be problems, but I am only speculating about that.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC