Akadama vs. Pumice vs. Lava Rock

[Jester217300]

I know this is an old conversation now but what would be wrong with just using lava rock and nothing else?

Nothing.

 

[Vance Wood]

I know this is an old conversation now but what would be wrong with just using lava rock and nothing else?

Thinking about it I don't know probably wont do well but ???? Why don't you try it and see?

 

[barrosinc]

I use 100% lava rock (might be a bit different from the one in North America) with great results.

 

[Vin]

It would be very similar to using 100% pumice and there are many that use that.

 

[Adair M]

The pumice I use is very light weight. And it floats! A hard rain could knock it out of the pot, and it would float away!

Lava kinda hold it in place.

 

[just.wing.it]

The pumice I use is very light weight. And it floats! A hard rain could knock it out of the pot, and it would float away!

Lava kinda hold it in place.

Absolutely agree!!

This year I went to pumice, lava and haydite for a few trees...then just lava and pumice.
So far I'm like it very much!

Edit:
Also a nice top dressing can fix the washing away problem...
I'm now a proponent of live moss top dressing...
I have sphagnum on several trees, and birds like to pick at it, a lot...
So far they haven't touched my live moss trees....

 

[Shima]

One problem with lava is it's a heat sink. Like a black car compared to a white one. Much warmer inside on a sunny day. And it "locks together" more than pumice.

 

[Shima]

The pumice I use is very light weight. And it floats! A hard rain could knock it out of the pot, and it would float away!

Lava kinda hold it in place.

I've read this so often but never had the problem with the pumice available to me.

 

[just.wing.it]

One problem with lava is it's a heat sink. Like a black car compared to a white one. Much warmer inside on a sunny day. And it "locks together" more than pumice.

Maybe the red lava is cooler, relatively...?

But that's a good point!

 

[Shima]

Maybe the red lava is cooler, relatively...?

But that's a good point!

I would think so...cooler.

 

[BonsaiMatt]

problem with lava is it's heat. Much warmer than pumice.

?
Pro tip: don't use molten lava. Let it cool and solidify, then add to your mix.

 

[Shima]

?
Pro tip: don't use molten lava. Let it cool and solidify, then add to your mix.

Oooh of course.

 

[ajm55555]

It literally does not matter what you plant your tree in as long as you water it accordingly.

Roots don't need just water but also oxygen.

 

[JamieRoberts]

Nothing.

Thank you