Lava Rock vs. Turface/Chicken Grit

kompik

I've heard good explainations as to why lava rock (pumice) is such a good inorganic soil component for bonsai, but many people recommend turface and/or chicken grit instead. I was wondering if one is better than the other in certain applications, or if they are just easier to find and an acceptable substitute. In other words, if I had my pick of any inorganic, would I always pick lava rock? If not, please list some specific applications where other inorganics would be better.

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BrianBay9

As far as I can tell, all will work fine (as long as the chicken grit is NOT crushed oyster shells, as it is some places). The choice of which to use seems to primarily driven by local availability. I use turface because I can't easily find lava of the right size.

Brian

BonsaiGreenhorn

I use both in my mix along with pinebark.

Both will do a fine job; but with mine though, it seems that lavarock holds moisture longer than the turface, I usually see the turface going back to its normal color first before the lavarock.

Hope this help, best of luck.
-Evan

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Lesley

I use pumice, turface and fine orchid bark for my trees. I have been for two seasons, this is the third, and it seems a good combo for me too! Drains well and seems to hold up longer!

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ripssurf

what ratios do you normally use turface:lava rock:pinebark?

jeff

pootsie

Jeff:

In Ohio, I find good results with equal parts, only I use haydite since it's available locally, whereas there is little volcanic activity in Columbus.

In Florida, use what other Floridistanis use.

Bonsai: Design globally, pratice locally.

pootsie

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Will_Heath

That depends on the species. For pines I use more lava and for my Maples I use more turface and bark. For my figs I use 50% bark and 50% lava rock.

Will

cbobgo

A few clarifications. Lava rock and pumice are not actually the same thing. Similar in many respects, but pumice is lighter and apparently holds less moisture.

Grit is completely different than the other 3 components in that it retains minimal ammounts of water and cations. It is essentially inert - just taking up space to improve drainage. lava, pumice and turface, in addition to improving drainage, also add to moisture and cation retention.

The main factors in choosing between turface, lava and pumice probably have more to do with cost and availability than anythng else.

- bob

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