Professional products Raw materials Volcanic Lapillus
Italian volcanic Lapillus for professional mixes and ornamental mulching.
Arber volcanic Lapillus is an inert mineral raw material of natural Italian volcanic origin, sourced from a consolidated supply chain. Two granulometries — 3–5 mm and 5–10 mm in Big Bale — calibrated for different crop cycles: fast drainage and fine mulching for short cycles, stable structure for long cycles.
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Features
A porous mineral aggregate with an intense dark colour, volcanic Lapillus offers high drainage capacity, root oxygenation, and chemical inertness over the medium to long term. It does not decompose, does not alter substrate pH, and does not interfere with mix fertilisation.
Available in two granulometries — 3–5 mm for mixes calibrated for fast drainage and fine ornamental mulching, 5–10 mm for more structured long-cycle mixes and medium ornamental mulching. Added in calibrated proportions to peat-based substrates, Lapillus maintains drainage and oxygenation even after many months on the bench. This meets the specific requirement of long-cycle potted plants and species sensitive to root waterlogging. Its intense volcanic colour also makes it a decorative mulching material for high-end ornamental container production.
Italian volcanic Lapillus from a consolidated supply chain: the same extraction basin, season after season, to ensure consistent quality lot after lot. 30 years of selected supply chain and over 7 million m³ of substrates produced since 1996.
Why choose it
- Stable mineral material over time: it does not decompose, and physical structure remains constant throughout the plant cycle.
- Neutral pH and high air capacity: does not alter the substrate profile, maintains drainage even after many months on the bench.
- Granulometry 3–5 mm for fast drainage and fine mulching; 5–10 mm for long cycles and stable structure.
- Intense volcanic colour: dual professional use as drainage in custom mixes and decorative ornamental mulching.
- Available in Big Bale for professional nursery volumes, from a consolidated Italian supply chain.
Why use it
Structural drainage in mixes
Stable mineral aggregate: high porosity and air capacity for fast drainage in large pots and outdoor long-cycle containers.
Chemically inert, does not alter the profile
Neutral pH and stable mineral composition: no interference with mix fertilisation or additives.
Decorative ornamental mulching
The intense volcanic colour enhances high-end container production: visible surface mulching that lasts the full crop cycle.
Professional granulometries
3–5 mm for fine drainage and calibrated mulching, 5–10 mm for structured mixes and medium mulching.
Technical specifications
| Product category | Volcanic mineral raw material |
| Raw material type | Volcanic lapilli |
| Available particle sizes | 3–5 mm · 5–10 mm |
| Origin | Italy |
| Production method | Quarry extraction and granulometric grading |
| Water retention capacity | Low — draining |
| Air capacity | High — porous and draining structure |
| pH range (as is) | Neutral |
| Conductivity (EC) | Low |
| Bulk density | Medium · stable mineral aggregate |
| Compatibility | Universal · drainage in professional mixes + decorative ornamental mulching |
Available formats
| Format | Units / pallet |
|---|---|
 Big Bale | 1 |
Arber professional raw materials
View all Arber substrates for this crop type, with selection criteria and technical comparison.
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