Ho Yoku Red Lava Rock (Scoria) – Add Color, Drainage & Structure to Your Bonsai Soil
Sourced in the USA and widely used throughout the Northeast, Ho Yoku Red Lava Rock—also known as Scoria—is a natural, porous volcanic stone that improves soil drainage and structure. Its rich, reddish tone also makes it a popular option for bonsai top dressing, giving your pots a finished, vibrant look.
Each batch is pre-sifted, dust-free, and bagged in resealable pouches. Whether you're building your own bonsai mix or enhancing the surface of your soil, this lava rock adds performance and visual impact.
Why Red Lava?
While both Red and Black Lava (Scoria) function similarly in bonsai mixes, red has become the go-to option for many growers—especially in the Northeast—due to its availability and traditional use. It offers:
- A warm, natural red tone that contrasts beautifully with moss and bark
- The same fast-draining, lightweight texture as black lava
- Popular use as both a soil component and a top dressing
Some growers prefer to mix both colors in their soil to help visually monitor watering and root coverage—or to match their tree and container style.
Key Features
- Also Known As: Scoria – naturally lightweight and porous
- Clean and Consistent: Pre-sifted to approx. 3/8"–1/4", no dust
- No Dyes or Additives: 100% natural red lava rock
- Supports Healthy Roots: Improves airflow and drainage in bonsai soil
- Aesthetic Use: Excellent as a top dressing for refined bonsai presentation
- Multi-Use: Bonsai, succulents, cactus, orchids, and hydroponic mixes
Sizes & Wholesale
Available in 2-quart pouches, 18L bags, and bulk Super Sacks.
Need large quantities for educational programs, repotting workshops, or retail? Contact us for wholesale pricing.
Whether you’re creating a balanced soil mix or adding a beautiful top layer, Ho Yoku Red Lava Rock (Scoria) delivers the color, performance, and quality bonsai professionals rely on.
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.
