Pumice

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Pumice

Pumice is a lightweight, porous volcanic rock formed from rapidly cooling lava. It's commonly used as a potting mix or soil for improving aeration and drainage. It's especially suited and popular for growing orchids, cacti, succulents, bonsai, propagation, long-life potting mixes and hydroponics.

Horticultural Pumice: Our best-selling pumice brand, imported from New Zealand. It's available in economical 25-litre bags and convenient 4.5 kg bags. It is sold in 4 grades, including 1-2mm, 1-7mm, 4-20mm, and 7-20mm. The 1-2mm is suited for propagation, such as hard and softwood cuttings. 1-7mm is a general-purpose horticultural grade and is especially suited as a growing medium for cacti/succulents, orchids, bonsai, seed raising, and stem cuttings. 4-20 and 7-20mm are suited for larger orchids and certain other plants.

Mineraland Pumice is a popular brand with a particle size of 3–6 mm, making it especially ideal for cacti and succulents. It's also well-suited for other plants that grow well in pumice or plants that prefer a more uniform-sized medium. This product is often combined with other Mineraland products, such as maifan stone, scoria & zeolite, as they are of a similar grade and also quite complementary. Gritty mix is a convenient pre-mixed product that includes pumice and various other Mineraland mediums.

UXP 2-5mm: Is referred to as man-made pumice since it shares many common attributes with natural pumice. It provides a more uniform, decorative, and sterilised alternative to natural pumice. UXP is unexpanded perlite.  

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Is the pumice you sell sterilised?

A. The short answer is that only the UXP Made Made Made Pumice is sterilised. For further information from the manufacturer, see below

New Zealand Natural Pumice (washed and screened)

NZ Pumice is not sterile, but fully conforms with AQIS import standards.

Australian Man-made Pumice (sterile)

When manufactured, it is heated to 900 degrees, rendering it functionally sterile.

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Using Pumice for Growing Plants

Pumice is a lightweight, porous volcanic rock that is highly beneficial for various types of plants, including bonsai, orchids, cacti, succulents, and other species. Its excellent drainage, aeration, and mineral content make it a versatile soil amendment.

1. Benefits of Pumice for Plants

  • Drainage: Pumice prevents soil from becoming waterlogged, reducing the risk of root rot.
  • Aeration: Its porous texture allows oxygen to reach plant roots, promoting healthy growth.
  • Moisture Retention: Although it enhances drainage, pumice holds a small amount of water, providing consistent moisture without oversaturation.
  • Mineral Enrichment: Pumice contains trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, which can benefit plant health.
  • Lightweight: It's lighter than other soil amendments like gravel or sand, making it ideal for potted plants.

2. Using Pumice for Specific Plants

Bonsai

  • Mix Ratio: Combine 25-50% pumice with akadama and lava rock or organic components.
  • Why It Works: Promotes fine root development and prevents compacted soil.

Orchids

  • Mix Ratio: 10-20% pumice with bark or sphagnum moss.
  • Why It Works: Improves drainage and prevents root rot in epiphytic species.

Cacti & Succulents

  • Mix Ratio: 50-70% pumice with potting soil or coarse sand.
  • Why It Works: Provides superior drainage, preventing water retention that can cause root rot.

General Container Plants

  • Mix Ratio: 10-30% pumice with regular potting soil.
  • Why It Works: Improves soil texture, aeration, and root health.

3. How to Use Pumice

  1. Rinse Before Use: Remove dust or debris.
  2. Mix with Soil: Customise the ratio based on your plant’s needs.
  3. Top Dressing: Apply a thin layer on the soil surface to improve moisture retention and aesthetics.
  4. Propagation Medium: Use pure pumice for propagating cuttings or succulents.

4. Where to Buy Pumice

  • Garden centres.
  • Online retailers like Enfield Produce, Pet & Garden Supplies.
  • Specialty bonsai or orchid shops.

Final Tips

  • Choose the correct pumice particle size (2-5mm for bonsai, finer for orchids).
  • Combine with other amendments like perlite or vermiculite, based on plant needs.
  • Store in a dry place to prevent contamination. When manufactured, it is heated to 900 degrees, rendering it functionally sterile.