Medium profile Pumice
A lightweight porous volcanic rock used as an inert hydroponic medium or amendment to improve aeration, drainage, and structural stability.
Troubleshooting
Pure pumice dries before the next drip cycle or flood cycle. Shorten the irrigation interval, reduce the proportion of pumice in the blend, or mix in coco coir or another water-retentive medium for crops that need steadier moisture.
Pumice dust clogs emitters or leaves gritty residue in the reservoir after setup. Rinse pumice until the runoff is clear, flush irrigation lines, and use a filter before emitters in drip systems.
Maintenance
- Rinse dust before use and between cycles.
- Sanitize before reuse if disease was present.
- Blend with water-retentive media for crops that need steady moisture.
Make It Yourself
- Rinse pumice thoroughly to remove dust before use.
- Use alone for highly aerated root zones or blend with coco coir, peat moss, or other water-retentive media.
- Place in containers, beds, or net pots with good drainage.
- Fertigate regularly because pumice holds little nutrient on its own compared with organic media.
Cost
Specifications
- Water retention: low to medium
- Aeration: high
- pH tendency: generally near neutral
- Reusable potential: high
Cultivars
Methods
Issues
Advantages
- Excellent aeration
- Reusable
- Structurally stable
- Good for Mediterranean herbs and fruiting crops
Disadvantages
- Can dry quickly
- Needs rinsing
- Less water-retentive than coco or peat