Lava rock, when used for plants, is primarily a type of mulch. It's volcanic rock that is porous and lightweight, often used in gardening and landscaping around plants.
Uses of Lava Rock in Gardening
Based on its properties, lava rock serves several specific purposes when placed around plants:
- Effective Weed Control: As an effective mulch, lava rock helps suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and creating a barrier that makes it difficult for weed seeds to germinate and grow.
- Durable Ground Cover: Unlike organic mulches such as bark or wood chips, lava rock won't break down over time. This means it doesn't need to be replaced or replenished as frequently, offering long-term weed suppression and soil coverage.
- Unique Aesthetic Appeal: Using lava rock in your landscaping can create a distinctive and visually interesting appearance. Its unique, textured look sets it apart from other common mulching materials, appealing to many people looking for a different style in their gardens.
Benefits Summarized
Using lava rock mulch around your plants offers several advantages:
- Long-lasting weed suppression.
- Minimal maintenance due to its inorganic nature.
- A unique and attractive texture for landscape design.
- Improved drainage around plant roots (due to its porous structure).
While primarily used as a decorative and weed-controlling mulch on the surface of soil, crushed lava rock can also sometimes be incorporated into potting mixes or soil blends to improve drainage and aeration, especially for plants that prefer well-draining conditions. However, its main application for plants is as a top layer ground cover.
