Can I use lava rock instead of perlite?

Can I use lava rock instead of perlite?

I was talking to John Leather from Hawk Hill and learned that they stopped using perlite a couple of years ago and use 3/8″ lava rock instead. Bark is preferred as SM has to be replaced every year. Pine bark does not lasts much longer and gets way too soggy as these plants get watered every 2 days.

Is perlite the same as volcanic rock?

Perlite is volcanic ash that has been spewed from a volcano during an eruption. These clumps of ash fall back down to earth in chunks of volcanic glass that explode into pieces upon contact with the earth.

Which is better pumice or lava rock?

In terms of price and availability, pumice is more expensive and harder to get than lava rock. Pumice also has smaller particles however, both are more or less the same in terms of porosity. Lastly, pumice has higher drainage and drainage but lava rock has greater heat absorption.

Is lava rock good for plants?

Protects the soil – When used as mulch, lava rocks also prevent soil erosion while allowing all the nutrients to seep through. It also slows down evaporation from the soil, which can drastically reduce watering needs for your yard.

Does lava rock wick water?

Lava rock also absorbs heat and retains water so there is no need for drainage.

What type of rock is perlite?

rhyolite
Perlite is a type of rhyolite with a chemical composition, index of refraction, and specific gravity similar to those of obsidian.

Is perlite lava rock?

perlite is a substance that is derived from a sort of lava rock that has been pressurized and expanded to include more air in the actual product I believe.

Are lava rocks good for drainage?

Volcanic rock, often referred to as lava rock, is popular for use in landscapes because it does not decompose and require annual replacement like organic mulches do. Its porous nature also allows for good drainage.

What grows on lava rock?

Soil is not just made from rock though, it also contains organic matter from decayed organisms. The first organisms to grow on a basalt rock are mosses and lichens, because they can live without soil. Moss and lichen will start to grow on freshly cooled lava flows before soil has started to form.

Can I use perlite instead of LECA?

Each has advantages and disadvantages, and so are better suited to specific growing systems. Coco Coir and perlite are denser and hold water better, but LECA has superior drainage and aeration. Experienced hydroponics nuts usually have their own favorite formulas using these 3 media.