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Lava rocks

What is it?

Lava rock is a porous volcanic material formed when molten rock cools and solidifies. It is commonly used in substrates to provide structure, aeration and drainage while also retaining moisture within its pores.

💧Water retention -

💨Aeration -

🚿Drainage -

⚖️Weight -

🧪Nutrient holding -

🌿Organic -

High

High

High

Medium

Low-Medium

No

What does it do?

✅Best use for:

Aroids - Semi-Hydro - Mineral mixes - Propagation

🔬LOPOLISBIOTECH observations

  • Holds moisture within its porous structure

  • Creates air spaces around roots

  • Allows excess water to drain through the substrate

  • Provides long-lasting structure

  • Helps distribute moisture through the substrate

  • Does not decompose like organic materials

Retain a surprising amount of moisture even when used in larger particles.

Large rocks - work well as a structural bottom layer, allowing water to slowly move upward and saturate the substrate.

Small particles - retain moisture very effectively and can keep a mineral substrate hydrated for a long time.

When a plant consumes little water, the moisture can remain in the substrate for longer than expected.

💡 Key point: Lava rock can provide both high aeration and high moisture retention, making it particularly useful in mineral substrates and semi-hydro setups.