Japanese pumice, known as Hyuga, comes from the beautiful landscapes of southern Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. This volcanic material is a unique alternative to traditional pumice.
**Hyuga vs. Pumice**  
Hyuga is slightly softer and more porous than conventional pumice, allowing it to sink and reduce erosion when watering plants.
**Benefits of Hyuga**  
Adding Hyuga to your growing mixes enhances water retention, nutrient delivery, and oxygen access for plants. With a pH of 6, it's suitable for various plant species.
**How to Use Hyuga**  
Hyuga works well for succulents, acid-loving plants like rhododendrons and azaleas, and is essential for many bonsai mixes. Bonsai expert Michael Hagedorn recommends it as a primary soil component.
Hyuga is reusable and doesn’t break down under normal conditions, but it’s advisable to treat it with a disinfectant like Sporekill to prevent fungal or bacterial issues. When creating custom mixes, limit Hyuga to no more than 20% of the total mix.