Pumice: where do I find it?

[Wjs2nd]

I just got a Cymbidium goeringii and I'm looking for pumice for it. It has been very hard to find pumice in the US! I have found some Japanese pumice at bonsai sites, but I know every Japanese pumice can be different. Anyone have any suggests? I'm willing to pay the shipping costs, whatever they my be, for the correct pumice/pumice mix.

[WhiteRabbit]

hmm ... I have found just 'horticultural' pumice at a retail nursery as well as a local (to me) hardware chain. I don't know if that's what you are looking for, or if chains/stores in your area carry it ...

(If you find somewhere that sells size graded horticultural pumice - I'd be interested to know about it - thanks )

[Wjs2nd]

So far I found 3 different grades for Japanese pumice in different sizes for sale from Asuka Orchids They currently only do e-mails and don't have a phone number so I'm waiting to here back from them.

I was thinking about e-mailing Dr. Lehr at New World and seeing if he sells any or has any other leads to find some.

I have also found some US bonsai sites that sell special grades of Japanese pumice but they are not marketed for orchids, so you need to know what your looking at.

[keithrs]

How much you need.... I have some pumice that I no longer use.

[keithrs]

And just FYI... I got it at my local nursery....$15 for 1.5 cu ft.

[Wjs2nd]

Thanks Keith, but I am looking for specific types of Japanese pumice. These have certain properties. I can get regular grade pumice from rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Care - Orchid Fertilizer

[Wjs2nd]

Orchid Supplies if you goto their site you will see what I mean by certain types of Japanese pumice. That is the link to their pumice.

[keithrs]

Gotcha.....

[Ray]

Is there a particular reason you want pumice in the first place?

About 15+ years ago, I imported about 500 "Chinese" cymbidiums a month, including goeringii, after getting hooked on them. My supplier grew them in 50/50 pumice and tree fern chunks. I experimented and found they did better for me using LECA. (That, by the way, became s/h culture, as I learned more about how it was working.)

[Wjs2nd]

Hmmm, I did think about the PrimeAgra. What size did you use? Ever mix in charcoal or sponge rock? I basically have a hydrotron, charcoal, sponge rock mix right now, but the hydrotron is the bigger size and it's to large. I have even debated sphag moss (which I have seen) or a bark mix (which I have seen).