How Do I Take Care of Hawaiian Lava Rock Plants?

Lava rock is quite porous, absorbs water easily, and can sustain plants grown on it with some added amendments.

Hawaiian lava rock plants are specially hybridized versions of familiar houseplants, such as anthurium, schefflera, rabbit's foot fern and a number of other plants. Grown on a piece of lava from a Hawaiian volcano, lava rock plants add an interesting, tropical focal point to your houseplant collection.

Things You'll Need

• Flower pot or container, same height as rock.
• Water-soluble, liquid houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

1. Locate your Hawaiian lava plant in an area that receives lots of light, but not direct sunlight.

2. Place the Hawaiian lava rock plant in a flower pot or container that is the same height as the rock. Although a saucer or shallow container will work, a taller container allows you to add more water and thus cuts down on the frequency of watering. Lava rock is porous so it readily absorbs water.

3. Pour water over the lava rock until the container is half full. The rock will slowly absorb the water, so keep an eye on it and add more water to keep the container half full at all times.

4. Fertilize the Hawaiian lava rock plant once a month with a standard houseplant fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 the strength recommended on the label. Pour the fertilizer over the rock and empty the excess that accumulates in the container.

References

• Hawaiian Sunshine Nurseries: Care Instructions
• Leeward Community College: Learning Objective 19