Description

Japanese Pumice 3-6mm (Medium) 18L | TOOG951.

What Is It?

Japanese pumice or Hyuga as it is known in Japan is a naturally occurring volcanic product from the south part of Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan.

Hyuga vs Pumice:

These two products are very similar in characteristics however due to the manner in which this Hyuga is formed in nature it is slightly softer and more porous than conventional pumice. In fact, Hyuga is so porous it will sink, which reduces erosion when watering.

Due to the porosity of Hyuga aggregates in your growing mixes it enhances:

• water retention
• nutrients
• oxygen

It is suitable for a wide range of plant species as it has an essentially neutral pH of 6.

How To Use:

• Japanese pumice is highly recommended for more demanding succulents as well as acid-loving rhododendron (including Azalea), general pot plants, orchids and it of course forms a crucial part of many bonsai growing mixes.
• As Hyuga will not under normal circumstances break down it can be sifted and re-used however if you intend to do so a disinfecting treatment using Sporekill is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of spreading fungal or bacterial issues.
• Hyuga can be combined with other elements such as akadama or peat (no more than 20% of the total mix). Due to the good drainage qualities of hyuga it is very often used to assist a sick tree to regain vigor and health. In such a case 100% Japanese pumice may be used.

For typical growing conditions, a ratio of 1(akadama) : 1(pumice) can be used. For plants that prefer more moisture, you can double the quantity of akadama.

Recommended Mixture:

• 3 Parts Akadama 3 Parts Pumice 1 Part Compost/ Pine Bark.

Japanese Hard Ibaraki Akadama 3-6mm (Small) 14L | TOOG954.

Akadama is a granular volcanic clay-like (although it is not clay) mineral which occurs naturally in Japan. It has been extensively used in Japan for many years as a growing medium for bonsai trees and other container-grown plants. It has many unique qualities, one of which is that when it is wet it has a darker colour so indicates when watering is needed. Akadama is unique as a growing medium and is sought after due to its ability for water retention and nutrients due to its high CEC value. However, at the same time, it provides porosity and free drainage.

Features:

• Maintains almost perfect moisture retention for plants & bonsai trees
• Enhances & extends fertilizers efficacy
• Retains nutrients for roots
• Excellent for root aeration
• Promotes (CEC) Cation Exchange Capacity
• Remains structurally stable after long periods – inhibits soil compaction
• Akadama colour darkens when moist & lightens when dry, which helps set water schedules.

Uses:

Aquascaping & Shrimp:

• Assists in maintaining tank equilibrium and stability.
• Safely buffers pH and keeps it stable for up to 3 years.
• No initial ammonia spike.
• A natural product that does not leach anything into the water.
• Usually FINE or SMALL particle size is used for this application.

Bonsai:

• Produces a proliferation of feeder roots system which are able to support highly ramified trees.
• Has good CEC value, providing a steady release of nutrients to the plant.
• Great for rooting all forms of cuttings.
• Often combined with equivalent size pumice to add to structure and drainage.
• Usually FINE akadama only used for small trees. SMALL akadama for medium and large trees with MEDIUM akadama for a drainage layer.

Succulents:

• Promotes exceptional, healthy growth and leaf colour saturation.
• Great for rooting a variety of succulent species.
• Usually FINE or SMALL particle size mixed with equivalent size pumice is used.

Recommended Mixture:

• 3 Parts Akadama
• 3 Parts Pumice
• 1 Part Compost/ Pine Bark.