Horticultural pumice/lava rock or heat expanded granite - suppliers?

[Maggi Young]

For a member:

Anyone know a supplier of horticultural pumice/lava rock or heat expanded granite?

[Roma]

Cherry Blossom Bonsai stock pumice and lava grit.   I haven't ordered from them.  I think they were mentioned in one of the orchid topics and I bookmarked the site for future reference.

[Maggi Young]

Thanks Roma - I'll pass that on.

[Steve Garvie]

Techfil, a company based in Maidstone, Kent sell horticultural pumice of various grades.
It is sold by volume and delivery is the big cost factor.

As an example 1000L (in a 1000L bag) of 3/8mm grade delivered to West Fife from Kent cost £280.
The same volume delivered in 25x40L bags is £360.

Expensive .......and a 1000L bag is a lot of pumice! But buying it as Bonsai compost in 10L bags may prove a false economy.

[brianw]

I bought something from a nursery I recall as "sponge rock" or something like that, on the way back from the AGS Harlow show a couple of years back. A bit like pumice only much lighter. Size around 10-15mm diameter, roundish pebble shaped. Think it might be uncrushed Perlite but not sure, if that is of any use. I will check where it was from if that is any use.

[angie]

For a member:

Anyone know a supplier of horticultural pumice/lava rock or heat expanded granite?

I got really good pumice but I will have to wait till I get home to get the address. Really good company and such a friendly man. I will make a note of this a post details when I return home .

Angie 

[Lawrence]

You could try Viresco in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, they have a very limited supply, I think they only get one bulk order a year, and I know they are low on stock
I recently bought 25ltr of 1mm pumice for £25, they also do a 2-3 mm grade for the same price, they will post as well
Speak to John on 01845 525585, very helpful, even sending out a free sample
Lawrence

[angie]

That's where I got mine from. He was a really nice man and the pumice was really good quality. He called me last year to see if I required anymore as he was putting a order in. I had enough but was grateful for the call .

Angie