Black Lava Rock (Scoria) for Bonsai – Durable, Natural, and Ready to Use
Commonly known as Scoria, this volcanic stone is a staple in fast-draining bonsai soils. Our Ho Yoku Black Lava Rock is sieved to a consistent size, dust-free, and packaged in resealable pouches for convenience. It improves drainage, supports aeration, and adds long-term structure to your soil mix.
Sourced in the USA and 100% natural—no dyes, no chemicals—this porous, lightweight aggregate is favored by bonsai professionals, succulent growers, and cactus collectors alike.
Red vs. Black Lava: Which Should You Choose?
Functionally, Red and Black Lava (Scoria) offer the same benefits—excellent drainage, aeration, and structure. Your decision usually comes down to color and aesthetic:
- Red Lava is more common in the Northeast due to local sourcing.
- Black Lava provides a darker, more natural look and is especially popular as a top dressing or in mixes where contrast is desired.
- Some growers mix both to achieve a unique look or to help visually gauge water saturation.
Use either—or both—to craft a soil blend that matches your trees and your style.
Key Features
- Also Known As: Scoria – a lightweight volcanic rock
- Ready to Use: Sieved to 1/8"–1/4", dust-free and clean
- Pure & Natural: No dyes, no additives, 100% U.S. sourced
- Excellent Drainage & Aeration: Prevents compaction and root rot
- Long-Lasting Structure: Won’t degrade like organic matter
- Resealable Bag: Keeps soil clean and dry between uses
- Used For: Bonsai soil mixes, succulents, cacti, orchids, hydroponics, and top dressing
Sizes & Wholesale
Available in 2-quart pouches, 18L bags, and bulk Super Sacks.
Need pallets for retail, repotting workshops, or classrooms? Contact us for wholesale pricing—no order is too big.
Enhance your bonsai soil with Ho Yoku Black Lava Rock (Scoria)—a trusted component for professional-grade drainage, structure, and long-term performance.
Learning Resources and Bonsai Tree Care Guides:
Bonsai trees are not all the same - and neither is their care. Read our specific care sheets for individual bonsai species. Read the Bonsai Care Guides
Shipping Bonsai Trees:
Bonsai trees are generally shipped on Mondays & Tuesdays to avoid having them stay in the boxes for any extra time over the weekends.
Shipping Non-Tree Items
All non-bonsai items such as bonsai pots and bonsai supplies are shipped within 48 hours of receiving payment. Most orders are shipped either the same day or the next day, depending on the time of day the order is received.
Important Guidelines:
** We cannot ship to a FPO, APO, P.O. Box or to locations in Alaska, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii or anywhere internationally.
** All Bonsai are shipped direct from the nursery and may ship separately from other items purchased via the Bonsai Outlet.
** If extreme weather is expected, we may delay shipping your Bonsai tree to guarantee a healthy arrival; in such a case we will contact you. We are shipping living trees and must be conscious of the temperature conditions to the delivery address, as well as, while in transit. That said, we reserve the right to hold the tree(s) to guarantee a healthy delivery. We will Hold Your Tree Until It is Safe to Ship.
