This video shows you pumice and explains what this drainage agent is. Pumice is an igneous rock that makes a good amendment in houseplant soil for creating drainage. Find out why you want to use pumice in your houseplant soil. It is a better choice than perlite, which is more commonly used. Apply pumice according to how much drainage the plant requires. Plants that require really good drainage, like cactus, require up to 1/3 pumice in the houseplant soil. Where to find pumice.
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Hello, and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about indoor gardening. Today’s video is sponsored by our Amazon affiliate link, which you can find in the comment section below.
Today, I’m going to discuss pumice and why I prefer it over perlite for houseplants. While perlite is commonly used, pumice provides superior drainage, which is essential for healthy plant roots. Pumice is a hard, igneous volcanic rock found abundantly in the Pacific Northwest. Unlike perlite, which breaks down over time, pumice retains its structure, ensuring continued drainage for your plants.
Drainage is especially important for houseplants because, unlike outdoor soil that benefits from natural tunneling worms, indoor soil needs extra help to maintain aeration. Without proper drainage, roots can suffocate, leading to root rot. Good drainage allows roots to access the oxygen they need, supporting healthy plant growth.
Pumice is denser and heavier than perlite, so it stays at the bottom of the pot where roots need it most, unlike perlite, which often floats to the top. This property makes pumice ideal for long-term plant health. I also recommend pumice for outdoor planting, especially for trees, because it doesn’t break down like other soil amendments, which can compact over time.
Other common drainage amendments include sand and vermiculite. Vermiculite is better for water retention, so avoid it for drainage purposes. Sand can work for some succulents, but avoid using beach sand due to its high salt content, which can harm your plants. For plants that grow on air, like orchids, lava rock or bark chips may be suitable, but they’re not ideal for standard houseplants like Arrowhead vine, pothos, African violet, and croton.
For those interested, I carry pumice on my website, HealthyHouseplants.com, in the store section. Good drainage is key to healthy houseplants, so consider using pumice for better results.
Thank you for stopping by today. Please remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Let me know if there are other indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see!
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Pumice for Houseplants
What is pumice, and why is it used for houseplants?
Pumice is an igneous volcanic rock that provides excellent drainage for houseplants. Unlike perlite, it doesn’t break down over time, ensuring continued aeration for plant roots.
Why is drainage important for houseplants?
Good drainage allows plant roots to access oxygen, which is essential for healthy growth. Without proper drainage, roots may suffocate, leading to root rot.
How does pumice compare to perlite for plant drainage?
Pumice is denser and heavier than perlite, so it stays at the bottom of the pot where roots need drainage most. Perlite, on the other hand, can break down and float to the top of the soil.
Can I use sand or vermiculite instead of pumice for drainage?
Sand and vermiculite have different properties. Vermiculite retains water, so it’s not ideal for drainage. Sand can work for some succulents, but be cautious and avoid beach sand due to its salt content.
Is pumice suitable for outdoor plants as well?
Yes, pumice is great for outdoor plants, especially trees, as it doesn’t break down over time. This helps maintain soil structure and prevents compaction.
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