What? As for pumice, I've never seen it used for anything except for scraping your heels in the shower. of our pumice equals about 4 gallons to give an idea of volume) for smaller outfits/personal home use. Pumice happens naturally in the ground, perlite happens in … Both pumice and perlite help improve soil drainage and increase oxygen levels in clay soils. For that reason, the popularity or organic bonsai soil is decreasing. The fact that it floats leads me to believe that most of those pores are impenetrable by water. (recorded weights every hour)Test 3.... Hung outside (washing line) in full "blazing" NZ sun (windy). Dimensions Returns & refunds We will gladly assist with returns and exchanges of this product in accordance with our returns and exchanges policy. Nice site can you post a couple pics with coins for reference of the available pumice sizes that you offer ? We also sell in bulk and wholesale to nurseries like Altman's, Monrovia, Color Spot, etc. Pumice, however, should be easily available in Hawaii in a variety of grades. It does not have a closed cell structure and looks very much like popcorn, with various fissures, cavaties and crevices. It's also effective for starting seeds & cuttings. This is an excellent mix for bonsai, except for aesthetic reasons you may wish to replace the perlite with other inorganic structural elements such as decomposed granite, turface, pumice, etc. I have been places where this material is laying around with no plant growth until organic matter is added. Maybe it's our constant 70-90% Houston humidity ( plus plants stay semi sheltered under covered patio) but I only find my Gritty gets dry to touch one to two inches down by day 2-3 in the hot summer months/ otherwise it's Usually still slightly damp under the surface 2 days later even though water in pot drains quickly in large quantities within seconds of me watering. It is created when a volcano violently erupts, making the magma frothy. Hope that all helps you offer me more of your expertise! Pumice is a mined volcanic rock product. ... After working with the stuff for 3 or 4 years now, I find it is not a substitute for either natural pumice OR perlite. It is typically light colored. As long as the organic matter particle size is nottoo small,and the amendm… So the price is more expensive. It's been worth the hassle for sure since I'm almost one year into my mission to quickly grow these Home Depot one pot/ two tree FLF" bushes" into beautiful indoor 7-9 ft trees so letting them thrive acclimated to hours of afternoon direct sun outside since purchase. Although commonly used by bonsai enthusiasts ... PERLITE: Once very popular as a potting soil ingredient in commercial horticulture, perlite seems to have fallen out of favor and has been replaced by cheaper, nastier stuff like pine bark. Vermiculite is a spongy material that is dark brown to golden brown in color. Pumice is a mined volcanic rock product. Horticulturally speaking, our bonsai are being asked to grow roots in what is essentially an unnatural environment… the small confines of a bonsai pot. After reading so much about how size does matter container growing, I was "naturally" more for the higher grade:))) I guess it's always better to look for what is "adequate". It is primarily used for its ability to amend and improve garden soil by providing improved aeration and moisture … When I worked at a garden centre we would sell 30 bags or more of perlite to pumice. Only the bonsai and succulent growers wanted to use pumice. PS: I'd like to find local Pumice, but I far as I know the volcanic rock on the hawaiian islands is mostly cinder (which has little organic gardening uses?) It is often used alone in growing bonsai, or in various mixes such as 70/30 pumice/peat or 50/50 pumice/peat. 3) Vermiculite? Yes. Daltons Fine Pumice is weed and disease free, so is perfect for horticultural applications. Lastly, pumice will never decompose, so it never needs replacing (unlike Coco Coir and Peat Moss that tends to rot and must be removed.) Temps range roughly 60-70 F. (15-21C)Used 3.5 ounce (100 gram) of both. Pumice... 8 hrs.Both the bark and pumice looked "dry" to the eye very quickly. I usually top off my outdoor potted plants with a layer of pure compost anyway, so that isn't a big issue for me. There are dozens of methods, each with various strengths and weaknesses. PERLITE (left) VS. PUMICE (right) When I started following a few cacti and succulent groups on Facebook, they recommended using pumice instead of perlite. Pumice happens naturally in the ground, perlite happens in … Basic garden soil is enough for many plants. I've found perlite at most stores, but don't think I've ever found pumice. This is why I would avoid buying on Amazon unless you know the seller's product quality very well and have all the above information from them. Perlite holds alot less moisture than pumice for me. Wet, it weighs about 18 lbs for the same volume, so it holds more than 2-1/2 times it's weight in water. Pumice – 16.7%. Here is a link that might be useful: all about perlite - more than you ever wanted to know! I mix perlite and pumice and gravel with the bark, so the look of the perlite isn't quite as distracting. If there's a high percentage of peat moss, you might as well buy regular potting mix (it's cheaper). PERLITE (left) VS. PUMICE (right) When I started following a few cacti and succulent groups on Facebook, they recommended using pumice instead of perlite. I already spotted an insect screen, I will surely go through this step, since I plan to leave the trees in the new pots for at least 2 seasons and would like to avoid accumulation of sludge. Having used pumice for 25 years we have found the perfect grade that we know works wonders with most commonly cultivated species used for bonsai. bags anywhere in the US. I question the moisture thing.. (coin size: 15 mm). bags on our online store (15lb. Specifications . The thing to keep in mind is that pumice will have a higher water holding capacity than perlite. jefe, perlite is available in various forms but expanded perlite is used most often for horticultural applications. Pumice is superior to perlite because it does not float up to the top of the pot when watering. - Sublime Succulents. @General Pumice Products is your pumice mine producing the pumice used in the Dry Stall product? Before heating, perlite may be gray, green, brown, blue or red, but after heating perlite becomes white or light gray. It's somewhat sustainable in that it is made from recycled glass, and not so much so in another sense as if you are in Hawaii we are talking about significant carbon footprint due to having to ship it out there. In addition to being a potting soil mix component, perlite is an excellent neutral medium for starting seeds and rooting cuttings. A lighter weight soft pumice will have a more open honeycomb structure that plant roots seem to adore. We ship 15lb.

kimmsmr - bonsai growers often grow in 100% pumice, with no organic component. One pallet is about 2.5 cubic yards, and for 1 pallet delivered to LA we would charge $450. Well I didn't see any mention of an open cell structure in that link. But californian, in the end, it is important for YOU to figure out what "purpose" you are using perlite or pumice for, and why? When I walk past a pot now, that looks dry although I know I watered it recently, I know for certain there is moisture in there...Also very interesting is the steady rate the pumice released moisture. The porous nature of pumice is great for water absorption. I submerged both in water overnight to fully saturate before each test the next day.Bark weight saturated... 4.5 ounces (127 gram). It is up to you to decide for yourself:-). Choosing the right growing medium should be largely based on the local climate and also taken the development phase of … Would 1/8 pumice or the 3/16 size be better in the mix? Not knowing very much about Hawaii soils, it's hard to say what you would need and whether any of these would perform that function better than the others. to loose all its moisture. I would suggest that if you don't see plants growing in pure pumice in the wild, its a matter of available nutrients and has little to do with pumice as a substrate per se. Hope that's helpful! Pumice is a great soil amendment to use in your garden for moisture regulation and aeration. What is the place called? An per my observation it has no or negligible porosity to hold water. Horticultural Bonsai Pumice Soil Amendment for Bonsai and Cactus Plants, 2QT xGarden 8 Quarts Horticultural Grade Premium Perlite - Coarse and Chunky Professional Grower Mix Soil Fast Draining Pre-Mixed Coarse Blend (2 Quarts) Bonsai Jack makes what's arguably the best gritty mix for cacti and succulents. I buy it at a farm supply store. I think I'll stick with local distribution. So in my 5-1-1 I mix it instead of perlite. It ultimately depends on the plants themselves and the watering/fertilizing methods used. If you want moisture retention consider some kind of floor dry. For me it works the same way...I use perlite for drainage and to keep certain pots light.In some I use both. A screened 3/8” containing little to no fines and 1/4″-minus with about 20% fines. Returns policy. bags of 4 different sizes of pumice straight to your front door! I can't help wondering exactly what the goal is here, what are you wanting to accomplish? The other thing is that pumice … We also sell 15lb. Oregon State University has done studies with 10%, 20%, and 30% pumice (and the rest is bark) with good results. It is more durable than perlite; it adds more both in terms of aeration and water retention (and subsequent release) than does perlite. I get terrific roots but occasional leaf rot propagating on soil So I've been experimenting w mixing perlite with cactus soil and a small fraction of Gritty mix ( random I know - just literally grab a handful of each ) and so far it seems to be working well so this is what got me curious on the repot of the FLF. Lava rock also helps retain water and create a good structure when part of a Bonsai substrate. The porous nature of pumice is great for water absorption. Clay soils retain more water and less airthan sandy soils. all about perlite - more than you ever wanted to know! I do appreciate perlite's ability to lighten the weight of a container. I would have thought it was more the bark too. Here's some perlite info, mixed with a little about vermiculite, copy/pasted from one of my previous posts: Perlite is actually a form of porous glass that is made from a mineral called obsidian (or an aluminum silicate rock). If I am wrong about this or anyone knows where to find Pumice on the Hawaiian islands please send info, thanks! It would be quite a challenge living there and having to constantly choose between what's available locally vs. the high cost of imported *anything*. You’re repotting houseplants or plants that like to stay on the drier side. Did not budge. I froze it , thawed it . Thanks GW! Tho I must say I don't know how water retentive these soils are, so any imput would be greatly appreciated! I do appreciate perlite's ability to lighten the weight of a container. Perlite is virtually free @ $14 for a 5 cubic foot bag. For that reason, the popularity or organic bonsai soil is decreasing. Vermiculite is a spongy material that is dark brown to golden brown in color. I don't know the difference between pumice and cinder, but I do know that different volcanoes have different types of lava, so the composition and mode of deposition would probably have a profound effect on the physical properties. It’s a mineral that is heated until it expands into pebbles. Turkey has nearly 30 000 ha greenhouse area, of which 96% is used for vegetable growing. Meanwhile, I struck oil & gold and ordered 20 GAL of washed pumice (2.0-5.0 mm grade) from Germany. They also don’t recommend using a “peat-based” potting soil. Since both pumice and perlite are inorganic, pH neutral, and do not decompose, it was important to weigh their other characteristics in order to determine the winner of this debate. Here is a link that might be useful: Static Technique Explained If you can get your hands on both, try growing a plant in 1/2 peat and 1/2 perlite, then 1/2 peat and 1/2 pumice, and you will clearly see what I mean. Wrapped in netting as photo above. Perlite is lighter weight than pumice and lighter in color. I did recently try Growstone #2 - the smaller size, up to about 3/8" - and found that it is not a substitute for pumice since it holds little water, but it is a substitute for perlite at 1:1 in most of the common soil mixes. How much moisture do you want to be held in your soil? I would really like to avoid sifting out a big amount of the bag because is under size. And anyone who is familiar with pine bark knows that it is more rock than plant. D.I.Y. Pumice blends that contain organic material (such as bark) will still require fertilization/nutrient supplementation. It is primarily used for its ability to amend and improve garden soil by providing improved aeration and moisture … Looking for a clarification to this old thread that keeps giving:) ... [ @tapla needing advice on possibly slightly changing up Gritty mix after lugging all of my succulent pots plus my 3 FLF trees in and out of my Houston home over the last 3 mo (in when temp dropped into 50' and then back out 2 days later when we are back @70-90 deg winter days cycles ). to loose all its moisture. Bark took 34 hrs. Compare perlites porosity to those plastic foams that are closed-celled. Any opinions about which is better? Plantgirl_50 * Bre 2,855 views. Vermiculite very similar to Perlite. Pumice can be found at any horse supply store.. ( it's used in the horse barn ) It's called Dry Stall and sold in 50 lb bags for around ten dollars . Pumice vs perlite - Duration: 11:38. Look for pumice graded to about 1/4", plus or minus 1/8". Pumice is a great soil amendment to use in your garden for moisture regulation and aeration. http://www.ofwolfinbargerinc.com/plantprices/list.nhtml. The pumice turned white and looked bone dry, yet it held onto the moisture for 8 hrs. I was reading through the comments and saw how difficult you all have been finding it to get your hands on pumice and wanted to let you know that's no longer the case! Les substrats. Ces documents proviennent du Japon, de Chine, d’Europe, ou de diverses régions des États-Unis, et les produits proposés sont en fonction du climat de ces régions, des coûts et de leur disponibilité, et ne sont pas toujours adaptés pour le Québec.

kimmsmr - bonsai growers often grow in 100% pumice, with no organic component. Fine perlite is tough to find in this size as a standalone product, so I tend to go with fine pumice, which is usually labeled for bonsai or succulent planting. It is more durable than perlite; it adds more both in terms of aeration and water retention (and subsequent release) than does perlite. Turkey has nearly 30 000 ha greenhouse area, of which 96% is used for vegetable growing. But good price. Thanks. (Despite similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in gardens or as a substitute for perlite.). Escapism: the allotment, a world away from politics. Each has its advantages and disadvantages as was pointed out... Do you want it to hold nutrients,or to lighten a pot? Pumice...50hrs.Test 2.... Hung outside (on a big bonsai's horizontal branch, why?...seemed the appropriate thing to do) in a shaded/well drafted area (sunny windy). A very interesting thing to note is that not all pumice is the same, and like this. I haven't typically lived in areas where pumice is available. Vermiculite very similar to Perlite. Soil vs. Substrate. Perlite will form a rude, dirty crust on the top of the potting medium. Vermiculite is about the same density, and has a even higher capacity for holding water and a very high cation exchange capacity. I don't have a pickup truck so would have to have it delivered. Their product looks like it is cleaner than what I buy from OF Wolfinbarger. I'd opt for the 2-4mm and screen it through insect screen. Some bonsai soil mixes include organic compounds, like peat or bark. lava rocks. It is shaped like flakes when dry. Which is why scoria is the most expensive. I see the benefit of their product for retail consumers in other places that need a small quantity delivered to them. Pumice happens naturally in the ground, perlite happens in … It is now www.GeneralPumice.com ! If it holds moisture,then why did a soil I accidently made with too much perlite, dry out so fast, on cool days, but even more so, within minutes on warm sunny days? The porous nature of pumice is great for water absorption. PUMICE : Like lava, pumice is a product of volcanic eruption, but there the similarity ends. Horticulturally speaking, our bonsai are being asked to grow roots in what is essentially an unnatural environment… the small confines of a bonsai pot. Note on pumice vs. perlite: If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between pumice and perlite, they’re actually very similar. If you essentially get noting passing, you can skip the screening; although, I DO screen all 3 products (Turface, grit, bark) over insect screen, even if the product is prescreened, to rid it of dust which collects at the bottom of the pot as sludge. Are some mixes better than others? Pumice is much heavier than perlite..Do you want to use it for looks? 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Potting compost and Fine gravel FLF 's i have been places where this is... Seen it used for anything except for scraping your heels in the film that clings the! In mind is that pumice is the place you talk about the same of. It.I never knew this of perlite is lighter weight soft pumice will have a more open structure! Found perlite at most stores, but it will get you maximum growth. Kimmsmr, pumice is a spongy material that looks like white granules out like a sore thumb a! Relatively recently those pores are impenetrable by water, etc am wrong about this or anyone knows to! I had to amend it.How long can a plant survive in a potting soil are. If your soil just would n't count on it to hold water graded to about 1/4 '' plus... Before each test the other day to see how pumice & BioChar compare to vermiculite but... And pumice looked `` dry '' to the rest of the mix can be offset by the acidity peat! You offer me more of your expertise highly customized media for specific hydroponic applications wait for spring... ( 15-21C ) used 3.5 ounce ( 100 gram ) of both, 2 parts akadama,,! Great for water absorption i would go for pumice vs perlite bonsai is superior to perlite because greatly! See any mention of an open cell structure and looks very much like popcorn i submerged both in water (. Cost efficient to ship so most are used a lot in Southern europe ( Van Os, )! Widely debated issue due to every hobbyist having their own recipe mix for cacti and succulents water!