Sakadama will start
a new era in Bonsai Culture

Sakadama is a kiln fired clay that is used as Substrate for Bonsai Trees. The product is fired at 600 °C in a rotary kiln which creates a hard, wear resistant particle which retains the natural attapulgite clays absorbent properties. Sakadama is typically mixed with Pumice, Perlite, pine bark etc. to create an ideal growing mix for each Bonsai’s specific climate. Sakadama promotes Root growth and branch development. This is accomplished by the product being low density, improving drainage and increasing nutrient and moisture retention.

Sakadama...
A very versatile mineral

Sakadama is manufactured from Attapulgite clay. This versatile mineral is also known as Fuller’s earth. Attapulgite is a needle-like clay mineral composed of magnesium-aluminium phyllosilicate. The natural occurring Attapulgite clay-based product is mined, crushed, dried, calcined and accurately screened before packing.

Heat treated at 600 °C

The heat treatment at 600 °C removes the water of crystallization, that then in turn creates large surface areas that are electrically charged. This enables the product to absorb a variety of nutrients and retain more water. The calcination also ensures the granules are hard and inert with a high resistance to attrition.

Freeze resistant

Sakadama was subjected to multiple freezing and thawing cycles. This has shown that the product has minimal breakdown even under these severe conditions. This in turn will ensure that Sakadama will be able to be used in regions were freezing occurs, without significantly reducing the drainage and air filled porosity of the growing media.

Transport

Sakadama is exported throughout most countries of the world. See our attached list of agents to identify the one in your country. Should it not yet be available, please contact Matutu milling directly that will, assist you until such time as an agent has been appointed. For technical advice please contact Willow Bonsai in South Africa that is appointed as the technical support center.

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