Scoria is a natural volcanic rock, appearing in red or black colors. Formed from flowing basaltic magma, this unique natural material contains numerous trapped air bubbles, maintaining its porous structure even after being milled.
Recommended Usage:
When incorporating scoria into your planting mix, we recommend using medium-grade 3-6mm particles. Be sure to sieve out all dust before mixing it with soil, as dust can restrict airflow and trap excessive moisture around roots, potentially causing rot.
Scoria offers superior benefits compared to aquarium or pea gravel. While those materials primarily serve as space fillers, scoria's porous nature provides essential aeration for plant roots.
Versatile Applications:
As a Topping: Scoria makes an excellent decorative topper with its natural red and black coloring. Its sharp edges help deter pests, insects, and rodents from approaching your plants.
For Landscaping: The vibrant color of scoria makes it a popular choice for garden decoration. Many gardeners prefer the eye-catching red variety for landscape design, while the black variety complements potted variegated plants beautifully.
Specialty Plants: Scoria is particularly well-suited for growing bonsai, cacti, and succulents due to its lightweight, porous structure. It provides exceptional drainage and aeration, both crucial elements for the health and development of these specialty plants.
Disclaimer: 10kg is just the estimate weight. It may weigh more or less than 10kg
Using Scoria to grow Bonsai, Cactus & Succulents:
1. Bonsai:
Well-draining soil: Bonsai trees require a soil mix that drains quickly to avoid root rot. Its porous structure helps maintain a balance between moisture retention and drainage.
Root aeration: Bonsai roots need air circulation to grow healthy and strong. Its structure helps prevent compaction, ensuring the roots don’t suffocate.
Lightweight: Bonsai pots tend to be small and Scoria’s light weight makes it a good choice for potting, especially since heavy soil can make a pot too heavy for handling or moving.
Mineral content: It contains various minerals that can benefit the plant over time.
2. Cactus:
Excellent drainage: Cactus plants require very well-draining soil, as they are prone to rot if they sit in moisture. Scoria provides fast drainage and doesn’t retain too much water.
Aeration for roots: Cacti have shallow root systems, and the aeration properties of this rock ensure the roots don’t stay in waterlogged conditions, which can cause rotting.
Sturdy structure: The sharp edges of Scoria help prevent soil compaction, which is crucial for cactus root health.
Increased airflow: The small air pockets in this material help prevent fungal or mold issues, which can be a concern for cacti in overly wet environments.
3. Succulents:
Well-drained mix: Like cactus, succulents need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Its drainage helps in creating a mix that doesn’t retain too much moisture.
Aeration for healthy roots: Scoria promotes root health by preventing waterlogged conditions, providing oxygen to the roots.
Prevents soil compaction: Succulent roots need to spread out without restriction. Its structure helps keep the soil loose and prevents compaction, encouraging root growth.
Tips for using Scoria in soil mixes:
Soil Mix Ratio: For bonsai, cactus, or succulent mixes, it is usually combined with other materials like pumice, perlite, and coarse sand. A typical ratio could be 1 part Scoria to 1-2 parts other materials, depending on the specific plant and drainage needs.
Rehydrating: It doesn’t absorb water but holds moisture within its porous structure. You may need to monitor moisture levels carefully to avoid overwatering, especially for plants like cactus or succulents.
Layering: You can also use Scoria as a top dressing to help with drainage and prevent the soil from drying out too quickly, especially for cactus and succulents.
It is especially helpful for plants that require fast-draining soil but still need some moisture retention. It’s a versatile and long-lasting option for improving soil health and promoting the growth of your bonsai, cactus, and succulents!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Can you tell me if your scoria is acidic or alkaline or neutral? I'm thinking of using it to improve drainage around my rose plants.
A. According to the manufacturer, this Scoria is PH Neutral.
Q. Is the Black scoria a natural colour or has it been painted or treated to be that colour?
A. According to our supplier, both red and black are natural scoria colors. The red scoria is taken from near the surface and the black from deeper earth.