Soil Mixes That Truly Understand Your Plants Not all soil mixes are...
Pumice might just look like gravel, but for your houseplants, it can be a game-changer. It improves drainage, boosts airflow, and helps prevent root rot. Still, if you’ve never used it before, it’s normal to wonder: how much should I use? When is it better than perlite? What if I just want my plant to survive, not become a science project?
That’s why we created this FAQ — to answer everything you might wonder about pumice.
It’s a porous volcanic rock formed when lava rapidly cools. It’s lightweight, full of air pockets, and naturally sterile — perfect for potting mixes.
It:
Gravel is dense and non-porous — it doesn't improve aeration or hold moisture. Pumice is light, porous, and useful throughout the soil, not just at the bottom of the pot.
The main difference between pumice and perlite is that pumice is much heavier. It also holds onto more moisture and nutrients than perlite. It is better for mixes that need weight and good drainage, like cacti and succulent mixes.
Mostly yes, but it’s not ideal as the main component for moisture-loving plants like ferns or calatheas. It works best when blended with coir or worm castings, such as our syngonium mix.
Pumice has a natural moisture content. The moisture is necessary for good plant growth with this material. If the pumice is completely dry, it will no longer absorb water and can draw moisture from your plant's roots.
No. It’s inert. It doesn't feed your plant but helps create better soil structure. Pair it with nutrient sources like worm castings or plant food.
It helps. Since pumice keeps the top layer dry and prevents soggy spots, it can reduce gnat infestations — especially when used as a top dressing.
It’s usually light grey to reddish, with a rough, irregular texture full of air pockets. It looks like miniature lava stones — because it is.
Use a clean container or tarp and blend it thoroughly with your other soil components. Mix well to avoid clumping or layering.
Yes. It’s especially helpful in plastic nursery pots that don’t “breathe” well. It keeps roots from suffocating.
Definitely. A 1–2 cm layer helps reduce fungus gnats, and gives a tidy look.
No. Unlike perlite, pumice sinks — which helps keep your soil structure consistent over time.
No. That’s one of its big advantages. It retains its shape and structure even after years of watering.
Yes — and it’s a great combo. Coir holds moisture well, and pumice balances it out by improving airflow and drainage.
You can, but use sand sparingly — it can make soil too dense. Pumice offers similar drainage benefits without compaction. This is not great for most houseplants, but can be great for Lithops and Split rock succulents!
Yes. Many bonsai growers use pumice in custom mixes because it holds shape, drains well, and encourages fine root growth.
Yes, but blend it with compost-rich soil. Herbs like rosemary or thyme (which dislike soggy roots) benefit most.
In small amounts. Ferns like moisture, so use pumice only to lighten dense mixes — 10% max. Usually perlite will do the trick, so no pumice is needed!
Generally no. Most carnivorous plants prefer nutrient-poor, acidic media like sphagnum moss or peat alternatives.
Yes — especially for improving root health and preventing root rot in citrus and potted palm species.
Yes, but it behaves differently than clay balls:
Yes. Just place the cutting in damp pumice and keep it moist. It offers excellent airflow and light support for fragile roots.
You can for some plants — especially succulents or slow-growing semi-hydro plants. But you’ll need to supplement nutrients.
More often. Pumice drains quickly and doesn’t hold water like peat or coco coir. Always monitor your plant’s needs.
It’s not required, but recommended if the previous plant had pests, fungus, or rot.
Yes — spread it on a baking tray and heat it at 150°C for 30 minutes. Let it cool before using.
No. It’s rock. It can last decades if stored properly.
Yes — just make sure it’s in a dry place, away from direct rainfall to avoid algae or moss growing on it.
We offer 1L, 3L, and 20L sizes, depending on your project. See our Pumice product page for options.
Yes — it pairs especially well with:
Yes — see our cactus and succulent mix, bonsai mix and syngonium mix. Each includes pumice in the perfect ratio for its plant type.
Yes, especially if it’s sourced locally. It doesn’t release harmful byproducts, and it lasts for years.
No, but over time, salts from water or fertilizer may collect on the rocks. Rinse or flush your pot to remove buildup.
Pumice retains some nutrients in its pores but doesn’t store them the way organic matter does. You still need regular feeding.
Yes, but in small amounts. Use it as a drainage layer or mixed into soil — it prevents rot in closed environments.
It’s not ideal for air-layering. For moss poles, you can mix pumice into the base soil for added drainage and to stabilize the pole — but don’t pack it into the whole pole, just the bottom.
Yes. It’s a volcanic rock and can handle extreme temperatures — just don’t use it as a substitute for BBQ stones.
Check out our pumice product page or read more here.
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