Pumice versus perlite

[kiwi]

I have been using perlite in my growing media but was thinking about replacing it with perlite as I have a good source of pumice available to me. Does anyone use pumice instead or with perlite and if so what do you think of it a a component of a mix.

 

[Trithor]

Is pumice not very rich in salt?

 

[Ozpaph]

get some and soak in distilled water then measure tds and pH - that will help determine its suitability.
I once bought some catts growing in a volcanic rock (not pumice) they grew well.

 

[gonewild]

Pumice is great! I have used it for decades. It does not soak up as much water as perlite. and does not crush and break down.

 

[limuhead]

Pumice is great! I have used it for decades. It does not soak up as much water as perlite. and does not crush and break down.

Just out of curiosity, what color is the pumice? Over here we use what is called sponge rock, I thought it was perlite but maybe not. It is pretty hard, chunky and the large(1/2" to 3/4") tends to hold water more through capillary action than 'absorbing' it.

 

[limuhead]

Never mind, just checked the label, it says 'Expanded Perlite'.

 

[gonewild]

Just out of curiosity, what color is the pumice? Over here we use what is called sponge rock, I thought it was perlite but maybe not. It is pretty hard, chunky and the large(1/2" to 3/4") tends to hold water more through capillary action than 'absorbing' it.

Pumice is off white in color, a little gray. It is harder than perlite, difficult or impossible to crush between your fingers. It has somewhat of a closed air cell structure so it does not completely fill with water like perlite.

 

[Stone]

From what I've heard, Kiwi pumice is very good. I wish it was cheaper and more available here. I would definitly use the larger grades for growing brachys ect. and catts too.

 

[Chicago Chad]

Hey Fred- Sponge Rock has been a hassle for me to find in the states. Or if I do I have to buy a crate of the crap and I don't need that much. Fox farms 'Big and Chunky ' Perlite does not make it where I live very much either b/c there are far fewer cannabis growers here than Chicago. Do you have any suggestions? I like the stuff you guys use out there, although it does crush easily. I simply cannot find it.

 

[Hera]

Did you try Roberts' Flower Supply? Should be cheap to ship.

 

[Chicago Chad]

I have not Hera. Thanks for the heads up. I will have to get some Diatomite while I am at it. 2 birds with 1 stone- much appreciated!

 

[SlipperFan]

Hey Fred- Sponge Rock has been a hassle for me to find in the states. Or if I do I have to buy a crate of the crap and I don't need that much. Fox farms 'Big and Chunky ' Perlite does not make it where I live very much either b/c there are far fewer cannabis growers here than Chicago. Do you have any suggestions? I like the stuff you guys use out there, although it does crush easily. I simply cannot find it.

You might also try Grow Stones -- available from your local hydroponics store. It comes in a couple different sizes.

 

[andre]

Love it. Use grow stones diatomous for all my Brachy's they love it. I don't have to change the media they like that.


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[Chicago Chad]

An update:
Going back to this I have had excellent luck over the past year with a potting mix using grow stone, perlite, smaller pieces of sponge rock, small sized Orchiata bark and dolomite. The mix is very gravel-like in texture. Plants like delenatii, vietnamense, micranthum and armeniacum have all done very well. The thicker roots seem to push through it easily and are not stressed to the outside of the containers as has been discussed with Orchiata mixes.

And I found a local source for Sponge Rock so were making progress.

 

[dodidoki]

I have been using perlite in my growing media but was thinking about replacing it with perlite as I have a good source of pumice available to me. Does anyone use pumice instead or with perlite and if so what do you think of it a a component of a mix.

I use it and I love it ( I mean plants love it). I use Akadama, it is pH natural lava granulates for bonsai trees, but slippers are growing very well in it.

 

[Lmpgs]

I use it and I love it ( I mean plants love it). I use Akadama, it is pH natural lava granulates for bonsai trees, but slippers are growing very well in it.

Where do you buy it from?

 

[Parryaw]

I can only find perlite and they're really small! Would love to get my hands on some pumice


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[dodidoki]

There is an orchid vendor in my country who sells this, another source is a Pet-Shop in my city and there can be found so called "Novasan", it is sold as substrate under cats ( heat treated neutral lava rock), it is same as akadama.

 

[dodidoki]

For American growers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akadama

 

[dodidoki]

For Europian growers:
http://www.fressnapf.de/shop/lava-streugut