Substitutes for crushed lava?

subnet_rx

I can't find crushed lava at any of my local stores. I've found Turface, but after reading here, it shouldn't be used as a main ingredient. What's some good substitutes to mix with an organic like pine bark? Vermiculite? Chicken grit?

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darrellw

Can you get pumice? Definitely not vermiculite, it will break down in no time. Perlite is also good. Chicken grit will just add weight, but you may want a little of that depending on what else is in your mix. But make sure it doesn't contain shells (calcium for the birds).

subnet_rx

I'm going to check on pumice tomorrow. I'm just having problems finding any kind of small rock, and a lot of stuff I read about is just out of reach.

ianb

You might have luck looking for pumice at local farm/feed stores as Dry Stall used as horse bedding. Check it out here Dry Stall

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Ian

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PatArizona

Out here in the wild western frontier, I have found Pumice at Home Depot, Lowes, WalMart, Ace Hardware...

Check in the regular gardening "soil" area, and also in the house plant area...

Pumice is a good substitite for lava...better than vermiculite, Perlite, or Chicken grit.

Pumice works for me.

Pat

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BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

subnet_rx

Checked at Lowes and Home Depot today, no pumice. I've also looked for the recommended brands of cat litter, with no success. Thinking about going with oil-dry.

PatArizona

I've been using OilDri OR Profile OR Turface with Pumice for several years...

It works for me!

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

sankastaff

Dont know if this will help or not but about 3 years ago i switched to crushed granite- chicken grit (small and medium size ) . It drains well ,works great with the other ingredients I use to make up my soil and has sharp edges to help with root development. Dont use the crushed limestone chicken grit because some plants dont like it ( dont ask me how I know this or I may start crying again ...LOL ).

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vln1502

You could try searching for haydite in your area. Vic