Houseplants on Lava Rocks Are the Cool, Minimalist Styling Touch I Keep Seeing Everywhere — Here's How to Grow Them

A plant that can grow on a lava rock, who would have thought? Lava rock houseplants are plants, such as Schefflera or Diversifolium (as well as a few others), that can grow on these specific rocks. But how? Well, this unique planting method can absorb moisture directly from the soil and water around the rock.

And of course, these popular houseplants have been on my radar for quite some time now, and after coming across the Lova Schefflera Lava Rock Plant from Amazon, I knew it was one I had to add to my basket — ASAP. Aside from its cool planting method, this houseplant is a chic way to bring minimalism into the home through indoor garden ideas. So what's not to love?

To learn more about houseplants growing on a single lava rock, I spoke to a plant expert and the founder of Beards & Daisies, Jo Lambell, about the pros and cons of this growing method, as well as how you can grow your own at the comfort of your own home. Here is everything you need to know.

Could lava rock plants be the latest houseplant trend? Aside from its sleek and minimalist appearance, lava rock plants are lightweight and bring a natural feel into the home. But to get to the bottom of all things lava rock plants, I spoke to an expert, and this is what she had to say about it.

Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of The Unkillables, tells me about how this method works and says, "Lava rock plants are plants that grow directly on or with lava rocks instead of in regular soil. Lava rocks are volcanic, lightweight, and porous, which means they drain really well and allow roots to breathe."

Jo continues, "The rock itself doesn’t provide nutrients, so the plant either rests on it with a little moss or soil to anchor the roots, or, in the case of air plants, just sits there absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air."

According to Jo, the main thing to bear in mind is how quickly rock can dry out and how few nutrients it holds. "That means you have to pay closer attention to watering and feeding than you would with a normal potted plant," she notes.

The plant expert says the type of plant used also matters. "Air plants and succulents are forgiving and thrive on a single rock with minimal fuss," she explains. "A tiny Schefflera can work, but it will need a bit of moss or soil wrapped around the roots to keep it stable and hydrated. Support and stability are important because the plant’s roots have nowhere to anchor, like they would in a pot of soil, so you might need to secure it lightly to the rock. Light is another critical factor; bright, indirect sunlight is ideal, just like for many of your standard houseplants."

These plants are certainly among the best to create an indoor zen garden. Its stylish appearance and beautiful leaves are one thing, but the lava rock adds interest as well as contrast to the space. With its rough aesthetic, mixing in with the bright, green leaves — what's not to love? But as lovely as it may look, there are a few pros as well as cons to keep in mind.

The advantages of this plant are that it holds a natural aesthetic, has excellent drainage that prevents root rot, is lightweight and easy to move, and lastly, the lava rock makes it easily reusable for new plants.

Its cons? Jo says lava rock plants have the following problems to look out for:

• No nutrients: Requires regular feeding.

• Dries out quickly: Plants that like consistent moisture may struggle.

• Not suitable for large or heavy plants.

• Stability can be an issue for taller plants.

Jo Lambell

Jo, founder of Beards & Daisies and author of The Unkillables, first discovered her love for houseplants back in 2001, after wrestling a 6ft Monstera onto public transport. That lightbulb moment, realising there had to be a better way to bring plants home, planted the seed for what would become her business. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, Beards & Daisies offers a handpicked collection of indoor plants, from prayer plants to palm trees, delivered straight to your doorstep. Jo and her Plant Folk are passionate about sharing their knowledge, inspiring both new and seasoned plant parents to grow with confidence. And with packaging that’s 100% recyclable or compostable, they’re keeping things as green as the plants themselves.

How to Grow a Plant on Lava Rock

But can you grow this pretty little plant at home? The answer is yes, and luckily, Jo has provided us with a step-by-step guide on how you can keep up with your houseplant care schedule:

Step 1: Choose the right plant and prepare the rock by washing it clean.

Step 2: Optional — Create a small dip or nest with moss/soil to hold roots.

Step 3: Air plants can rest on the rock and be lightly secured with wire or non-toxic glue.

Step 4: Succulents need a small moss/soil pocket for roots.

Step 5: Small tropicals like Schefflera need moss wrapped around roots to retain moisture and provide stability.

Step 6: Water carefully, depending on plant type, never letting roots sit in water.

Step 7: Place the rock in bright, indirect sunlight.

Step 8: Feed occasionally with a diluted liquid fertilizer.

Step 9: Maintain like any houseplant: remove dead leaves, monitor moisture, and rotate for even growth.

It's as simple as that!

Where to Buy Lava Rock Plants

Have these stunning lava rock plants inspired you? Or perhaps you want to take your styling game to the next level and decorate with flowers? There's so much to do within a home to brighten it up, and plants are certainly the perfect way to do just that.