# Sourcing pumice and lava? **URL:** \ **Category:** Beginners\ **Created:** [July 31, 2018, 1:58am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408 "2018-07-31T01:58:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Olceski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ccd318/32.png) [@Olceski](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Olceski)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 1:58am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/1 "2018-07-31T01:58:14Z")
Looking to source pumice and lava in the appropriate particle sizes any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![KurtP](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/kurtp/32/16188_2.png) [@KurtP](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/KurtP)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 3:04am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/2 "2018-07-31T03:04:33Z")
I get my pumice from the local seed and pet. Make sure it is the1/4 inch not larger. 5- 25 lb bag. Red lava from the local landscape supplier. Have to sift (onsite into 5 gal buckets) the 1/8–1/4 inch size. I also retain the 1/10 for very small bonsai. Easy to make a 1/8-- and 1/4" sifters out of appropriate hardware cloth and wood. Or buy a good quality set. I ordered akadama through a online site. Was disapointed by the size range. TOO much large \>1/4". Ordered medium … Buying through our bonsai club from Japan now. I`m MIXING 50 gallons of 1:1:1 (or other) every other year… Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![DavidJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@DavidJ](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/DavidJ)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 3:08am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/3 "2018-07-31T03:08:59Z")
Olceski, where do you live? ---
**Author:** ![Olceski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ccd318/32.png) [@Olceski](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Olceski)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 10:51am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/4 "2018-07-31T10:51:50Z")
Warren Michigan just outside of Detroit. ---
**Author:** ![Olceski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ccd318/32.png) [@Olceski](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Olceski)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 10:55am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/5 "2018-07-31T10:55:57Z")
Thanks kertP good info ---
**Author:** ![DavidJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@DavidJ](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/DavidJ)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 1:04pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/6 "2018-07-31T13:04:37Z")
The best source should be your local bonsai clubs and there should be some in your area. Local bonsai clubs are an invaluable source of saupplies and practical experience growing bonsai in your region from a plant material and practice view. Having said that, “pumice” comes in many forms. In Toronto, we finally found a supplier than delivers pumice similar to what I have seen in Japan. If, you can’t find pumice locally, the Toronto Bonsai Society sells some at our Fall Show and Sale in October. Let me know if you are interested… It is a long drive but hopefully the pumice and the bonsai will make it worth your while. ---
**Author:** ![Olceski](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ccd318/32.png) [@Olceski](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Olceski)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 8:40pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/7 "2018-07-31T20:40:20Z")
Thanks David! Good info. ---
**Author:** ![DavidJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d2c977/32.png) [@DavidJ](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/DavidJ)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2018, 8:46pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/8 "2018-07-31T20:46:13Z")
Olceski, Going to the National in Rochester? ---
**Author:** ![moon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/moon/32/24444_2.png) [@moon](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/moon)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2018, 4:02pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/9 "2018-08-03T16:02:57Z")
I use these guys and have been very happy with what they have sent me. [http://www.generalpumiceproducts.com/order-here](http://www.generalpumiceproducts.com/order-here/) I have no affiliation with them other than having bought pumice from them BTW. I use expanded shale instead of lava. I find it to be readily available and serves the same purpose as lava for me. ---
**Author:** ![nemo1107](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/nemo1107/32/1630_2.png) [@nemo1107](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/nemo1107)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2018, 10:18pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/10 "2018-08-03T22:18:56Z")
> [@moon](#): > > I use these guys and have been very happy with what they have sent me. [http://www.generalpumiceproducts.com/order-here](http://www.generalpumiceproducts.com/order-here/) > I have no affiliation with them other than having bought pumice from them BTW. I use expanded shale instead of lava. I find it to be readily available and serves the same purpose as lava for me. Wow, that’s a solid price. Do you get the 3/8" size bag and sift from there? ---
**Author:** ![moon](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/moon/32/24444_2.png) [@moon](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/moon)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2018, 4:21pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/11 "2018-08-06T16:21:58Z")
@nemo1107 It comes pre sifted. Little to no waste, or smaller particle size. I actually buy all three sizes and mix them as needed. The 3/8 is pretty chunky stuff, the size of fingernails. I use it more for collected trees the 1/8 and 3/16 get more use in my pots for sure. They will also send pallet orders for a fraction of the price. My club and I are trying to figure something out and have pumice for quite some time. ---
**Author:** ![nemo1107](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/nemo1107/32/1630_2.png) [@nemo1107](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/nemo1107)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2018, 10:34pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/12 "2018-08-07T22:34:41Z")
That’s great. I’ll have to check that out when I need to re-supply. ---
**Author:** ![Nate\_Andersen](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/nate_andersen/32/3943_2.png) [@Nate\_Andersen](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Nate_Andersen)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2018, 11:43pm UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/13 "2018-08-20T23:43:23Z")
I use [Mother Earth Volcanite Pumice](https://www.google.com/search?q=mother+earth+pumice&rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS711US711&oq=mother+earth+pumice&aqs=chrome..69i57j0j69i64.6011j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active) Approximately 7.4 gallons (28 liters) and it is 1/32 - 3/8 particle sized. I sift it, but I also get it for like $12 from a hydroponics store. If you can find one with this stuff it is definitely the go to that I’ve found. Ask them if they can special order it as well if they don’t have it. ---
**Author:** ![Bonsai\_Bentley](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex029/user_avatar/forum.bonsaimirai.com/bonsai_bentley/32/7792_2.png) [@Bonsai\_Bentley](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/u/Bonsai_Bentley)\ **Post date:** [December 30, 2019, 12:44am UTC](https://forum.bonsaimirai.com/t/sourcing-pumice-and-lava/1408/14 "2019-12-30T00:44:51Z")
Pumice is back in stock on Amazon Nature’s Footprint Pumice Soil amendment, 5-Gallon [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008YSVPHW/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_other\_apa\_i\_fHucEb8T6QAHY](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008YSVPHW/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_fHucEb8T6QAHY)