Depending on its intended application, several potting soils are ideal. Depending on whether improved soil aeration or water retention is required, each type of potting soil is specially made with a different set of elements. One such component that is employed as a soil supplement is pumice. What is pumice, and what benefits can plants receive from using it in soil? Learn more about growing plants in pumice by reading on.
What are the properties of Pumice?
Pumice helps garden beds drain better. It prevents muddy soils that roots don’t decay in wet weather. It is a miine-produced natural, organic product that has not been treated. It retains moisture despite having a bone-dry appearance. Pumice can maintain moisture for up to 48 hours when compared to composted pine bark which is a key ingredient in bagged potting soils(in cool weather). About half as long can be held in the bark. Pumice releases moisture steadily and gradually. It creates small holes on the surface which serve as minuscule stores of nutrients and moisture.
The soil is aerated as a result and plants’ roots require air. Pumice may enhance the soil with 70 or more essential trace minerals depending on the mine it comes from. The best part about Pumice is that it does not decay or go bad.
Using Pumice as Soil Amendment
Mix 25 per cent pumice with 25 per cent garden soil, 25 per cent compost, and 25 per cent large grain sand to increase drainage for plants like succulents. Plants that are susceptible to rotting, such as some euphorbias, supplement the soil with 50% pumice. Alternatively, you can plant the plant directly in a hole filled with pumice rather than amending the soil.
To remove standing water around plants caused by rain, pumice can be used as a top dressing. Vertical tunnels should be built around the plant to form a moat. The plant’s base needs to be at least a foot (30 cm) away from the moat. Fill the vertical holes with pumice.
Pumice and potting soil should be combined in equal amounts for succulents in pots. Combine 40% potting soil and 60% pumice for cactus and euphorbia. Start cuttings that are susceptible to decay in pure pumice.
Uses of Pumice in your gardening
Improve drainage by amending beds with a mixture of 25% garden soil, 25% pumice, 25% compost and 25% sharp (large grain) such as decomposed granite for succulents and other plants that can’t sit in damp soil.
To absorb rainwater that pools around plants, top dress with pumice. Use a metal rod or broom handle to create a circle around the plant with vertical tunnels(air holes) that are several feet deep for succulents and other plants that are in danger due to soft, wet soil. Place them around that far from the plant’s base and 12 to 18 inches apart. It is intended to add pumice to the soil without harming the roots.
Our recommendation
We recommend Inpro Premium Horticultural Pumice as it is an ideal growing medium for plants. It is a permanent, weather-resistant, highly porous, inert, long-life growing media and is used extensively in growing media.