I started growing some pre-bonsai trees about 4 years ago with a mix of seeds and seedlings collected from my yard. I have all of my trees in bonsai soil. I wanted a Serissa tree, so I bought one that was advertised to be 5 years old. This is the first time that I bought a tree and I was surprised to find it growing in a soil mixture that seems like 75% peat moss and 25% fine sand. There are no larger particles in the soil, it is very much like black potting soil with some sand. Based on my research, most bonsai are grown in a mix that has much less organic material.
Is it normal for nurseries to grow pre-bonsai in this type of soil vs. using a "bonsai soil" mix? Why?

Vanboom wrote: I wanted a Serissa tree, so I bought one that was advertised to be 5 years old.
Is it normal for nurseries to grow pre-bonsai in this type of soil vs. using a "bonsai soil" mix? Why?

1. Costs. No one is going to put all their young plants in akadama
2. A five year old plant is not a bonsai. I don't put such plants in bonsai soil.