Bonsai or succulent soil? Record the decision

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Bonsai is training, not a species; a succulent can be bonsai. Confirm identity and moisture needs first. Some outdoor bonsai must not dry out. Do not apply desert-succulent drying advice to every bonsai or succulent. This worksheet provides no universal recipe or drying interval.

Plant identity and evidence

Botanical name; label or other identification source; uncertainty.

Growing position and current care

Indoor/outdoor; light; season; rain/wind; recent root work; current instructions.

Container record

Internal depth and width; material; drainage holes; saucer/cover pot; proposed changes.

Bag A disclosures

Name; ingredients; stated proportions and grades; pH/lime; fertiliser; manufacturer claims; unknowns.

Bag B disclosures

Name; ingredients; stated proportions and grades; pH/lime; fertiliser; manufacturer claims; unknowns.

Species-specific watering trigger

Required moisture condition; source/person; date; unanswered questions.

Water observation log

Date/time; location and depth checked; finding; watered or not; drainage/collected water; conditions. Repeat entries as needed.

Grower follow-up

Person/organisation and date; questions; answers; suitability and repotting timing; unresolved issues.

Decision and reason

Candidate for confirmation / more information needed / unsuitable for documented requirement. Reason and source; next action.

Do not stress a plant to compare bags. A surface check or visible outflow does not certify a mix. Keep observations separate from manufacturer claims and grower advice.

Background: RHS, Bonsai; University of Minnesota Extension, Cacti and succulents. Use species-specific instructions to resolve the watering trigger.