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Scoria and Pumice: Pros and Cons for Succulent Growing

Growing succulents is very popular, and I have a soft spot in my heart for them. They are so easy to keep, as they usually prefer negligence rather than constant attention, and they look so nice when correctly displayed. 

Growing succulents in areas where the soil is not their preferred type to grow in can be challenging if you do not know what they need to thrive. The main issue you may run into is overwatering.

What Type of Soil Do Succulents Need?

Scoria is a small grain red lava. It can be found coarsely or finely milled -like sand. It is formed in basaltic magmas, which means that it comes from lava that is flowing.

What is Scoria?

Thick Brush Stroke

Is Scoria Good for Planting Succulents?

As a soil alternative, 100% scoria is not the greatest idea for succulents. It has a higher than expected water retention which is associated with the high surface area and little holes that the rocks have. This makes it heavy and can lead to succulents dying from overwatering.

Pumice is the preferred type of lava rock that is used as a soil amendment for succulents. It is different to scoria in that this rock is formed from the actual eruption of a volcano.

What is Pumice?

Pumice has 70 or more trace minerals that are readily accessible to plants because of its thin layers. It is actually volcanic glass and not rock.

Is Pumice Good for Succulents?

Thick Brush Stroke

FAQ’s

Is perlite or pumice better for succulents?

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Both perlite and pumice are great for succulents. However, pumice may a better option only if they are meant for taller plants. Pumice weight will provide an anchor that will prevent your pot or container from been overturned or capsize.

Where can I buy pumice plants?

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Here are the following places you can buy pumice for your plants from: - You can find a vast variety of pumice for your gardening needs from the Amazon online shopping store. - You can also buy pumice from stores like Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, etc. ...

How do you apply pumice to plants?

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You can notice enough soil improvements from combining as little as 10% pumice to your garden soil mix.

Is lava rock the same as pumice?

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Lava and pumice are of both volcanic origins. They are however slightly different.

What causes the frothy appearance of pumice and scoria?

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The frothy appearance of pumice and scoria is caused by the aggressive eruption from volcanic which shoots the lava out filling it with gas.

Both of these ingredients will lighten the soil, but pumice will hold more air and water than scoria does while at the same time providing lightness to the soil and not damaging any roots or leaving the plants open to infections.

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