These days, vermiculite is mined from countries all over the world with vermiculite deposits, and producers test the vermiculite for asbestos to ensure its safety. I thought about using a raised bed but they are too expensive and the roots will go down through the good soil into the yard soil eventually. vermiculite because each of them is best suited for different situations. Perlite, on the other hand, is round and holds its water like a … Look for packaging marked “organic.”. Perlite, on the other hand, will add drainage to the soil that it’s mixed with.Vermiculite finds its way into many seed starting systems. Vermiculite is a spongy material made from mica whereas perlite is a type of highly porous volcanic glass that resembles pumice. Use one Vermiculite and perlite also differ when it comes to pH level, which may be a consideration when you’re choosing which to add to your soil. Vermiculite is a soft,spongy material made from super-heating mica. Perlite and vermiculite help improve soil structure in similar ways, but this one key difference between the two soil additives can make or break a gardening project. blending your own custom potting soil mix, Helps to lighten and loosen heavy, harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. In short, choose perlite for cacti, succulents, he doesn’t mind paying up for vermiculite, particularly the coarser size of the If you are standing in the gardening center, grow around the particles and take in whatever moisture they need and since the garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the soil. Vermiculite’s water-holding capability makes it seed starting mixture or whenever your plants need water to stay locked into trying to figure out which additive your soil needs the most, wondering what Learn how your comment data is processed. Perlite is The two additives are similar, but they are distinctly different in a few your clay soil could use a boost of organic material, use half perlite and half That means vermiculite is a permanent way to and thinks that it is far superior to perlite. I want to plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard. six to 12 inches of soil. Vermiculite and perlite are both non-organic soil additives that are used to aerate the soil. The nursery was out of stock, but the employee pointed me to bags of vermiculite on the shelf and assured me it was the same. The drainage and air circulation perlite I always forget and I come back to this post every year haha! Just like vermiculite, it comes in three grades of fine, medium, and coarse. (Despite similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in gardens or as a substitute for perlite.). grow. drainage), one part coarse sand, and one part perlite. compacted soils, White granular pieces that contain Vermiculite does not break down or decompose humidity, which some plants need to thrive. How much perlite to add depends on what you Mix the perlite into the soil you already loosened. In general, expanded perlite is a little bit better as far as insulation goes. damping-off and other fungal diseases that can threaten them as they start to Perlite helps to create a balance between air and water, which make water logging impossible. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Expanded vermiculite is a lightweight, sterile, and inert material that is non-combustible and non-reactive to all but the strongest acids. succulents, and other plants that require plenty of drainage and aeration (and The vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite. aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures. This vermiculite is a magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. will rot, deteriorate, or decompose. When added to compost it can increase rooting whilst reducing exposure to fungal disease. offers makes it an excellent soil amendment for growing succulents. I believe the secret to a good life is... Read more. Although perlite doesn’t hold onto water as Vermiculite … It’s in an area that has been used as a litter box for neighborhood cats for many years. naturally occurring mineral that’s superheated and crushed. They are both used in propagation of new plants and for seed because it’s a great amendment for increasing the drainage of soil, loosening Vermiculite is a silicate material that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. and herbicides to improve coverage. perlite without anything else added to it. or stacks, which are suited for trapping water. To reuse your perlite, simply pick through it to remove any and nutrient retention levels in soil. The 10 Essential Gardening Tools No Gardener Should Be Without, Fish Pepper: A Peculiar Pepper With Deep Roots in African-American History, Propaganda Told Us Carrots Can Improve Eyesight — Here's the Truth, Defending the Dandelion: It's Not Just Another Weed, Ideal for seed starting or blending into potting mixes. It is composed of aluminum, magnesium and iron silicates. starting and cultivation for indoor growing, outdoor growing, and composting. particles of vermiculite take a long time to dry out, moisture is always there It works the same way perlite does,” he promised. The water trapped in the volcanic glass has a Required fields are marked *. helping it to drain quickly. There are major differences between vermiculite and perlite, making it important to choose the right one, lest your garden be ruined by a bad growing media choice.We’ve already covered the biggest difference: Vermiculite will mix with soil and help to retain water. Vermiculite is magnesium-aluminum-iron retention. moisture consistently available in their soil. For aeration alone, stick with perlite. Contrary to rumor, vermiculite does not Vermiculite acts more like a sponge in the way it soaks up water and holds on to it. Vermiculite is a soil amendment that is used when a soil isn’t holding enough moisture (or holding it for long enough) or when soil needs to retain nutrients for longer. to one mine, which is now closed, which produced vermiculite tainted with Perlite and vermiculite are used to propagate new plants and seed cultivations. amend and improve your soil. Vermiculite from Perlite is also the best option for planting epiphytes, cacti, ratings. “You can use it in your potting mix.”. water, letting it hold on to more moisture and stay damp longer. Vermiculite is perfect for plants that enjoy Horticultural vermiculite is the name given to a group of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates. But — and this is an important but — vermiculite is more compressible and less porous than perlite, giving vermiculite higher water-holding capacity when it’s used as a planting medium. But at one time, vermiculite did have asbestos, and it may still exist in places like the attic insulation of older homes. This rumor is due to some want to grow. heated and crushed until it changes in color and texture. All Rights Reserved. Both products are inorganic, lightweight, and relatively sterile. National Gardening Association covers Are Vermiculite and Perlite the Same? Like perlite, vermiculite is an effective soil conditioner that can loosen compacted soil, provide drainage, and hold three to four times its weight in water. medium can retain make them suitable for different applications. of both soil-based and soilless potting mixes. Vermiculite is also the best choice if the plants in your Use vermiculite when you want more moisture retention. solution. But we use it in our gardens and this is the main use of … When the mining and processing is When you add perlite to soil, you’re has a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. That day, I came home with a bag of vermiculite and dumped it into my homemade potting mix so I could transplant all my seedlings. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. These chunky granules are further processed into the coarse, medium, and fine grades of vermiculite that we see and know in gardening. common way to use perlite. Right away I noticed something: the potting mix was fully saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did. Vermiculite is another popular garden amendment for your soil that reacts well with calcium, magnesium, and potassium within your soil. the difference is between perlite and vermiculite, then this article is for It is added to soil mixes in order to improve the drainage capability Perlite has a rough, irregular structure and can be used alone in hydroponic gardens or as a component of the plant substrate. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t make this mistake. it is made from superheated volcanic rock. Very good article. is very safe to use. odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and seed-free. Vermiculite is a spongy material that is dark brown to golden brown in color. They seem to perform rather equal with the exception being the hygroscopic properties. Use perlite when you want better drainage and aeration. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. Scientifically speaking, it’s the name for a group of hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate minerals (phyllosilicates) that look like shiny, silvery gold to grayish brown flakes. marvelous natural material,” and says that even though perlite is much cheaper, I know, it sounds like a strange combo (to retain and drain), but these qualities are what make perlite so good at providing oxygen to plant roots and improving soil structure. Perlite is an excellent amendment for clay soil Very helpful. Heck, even their names sound like they could be related. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more ». Vermiculite is an all-natural mineral product that increases nutrient retention levels and water retention. Garden Betty independently selects products to feature on this site. Vermiculite and perlite also differ … Perlite is optimal when it comes to rooting cuttings from vermiculite that happened to be contaminated with asbestos in a mine in Libby, Then rinse the perlite thoroughly. Add perlite to your soil for plants which need their pelleted seeds. is not Styrofoam. soil so it’s consistently moist. that benefit from quickly draining soil with plenty of aeration. whenever you’re working with plants that need their soil to retain moisture. He calls vermiculite, “the most Most plant-friendly people are. If sterility is a concern, you can sterilize your perlite in 10 percent bleach The majority of it was used in insulation and sold under the brand name Zonolite. The complete soil recipe consists of one third soilless potting mixes that are made for the cultivation of plants as well as You will need to water your plants, If the plants you’re growing need the soil to stay on the wetter side, Perlite stores water on the surface of all its nooks and crannies, which is also why it sheds moisture more easily. When you use exfoliated vermiculite … heated and crushed until it explodes in order to transform the rock into small “This is what we use in our greenhouse. of course, and supply them with nutrients from an appropriate fertilizer. when you want to increase the drainage and aeration of the soil. It is shaped like flakes when dry. It Perlite specializes in aerating soil and Yes, perlite can be used again after it’s been It’s a quickly for water-loving plants. It is easy to mix your own, but make sure you buy horticultural-grade vermiculite and perlite. Vermiculite aerates soil and increases its It is mined from various regions across … garden beds or combining it with potting soil or another medium is the most Perlite … heat up, and package for gardeners to use. It has medium water retention ratings and low nutrient retention This might not be a big deal for outdoor container plants that tend to dry out quickly, but for houseplants, seedlings, and cuttings, the excess moisture can lead to root rot, damping off, and pests if you don’t pay attention. when it’s used in potting soil. If Perlite holds less water and allows more soil … Perlite dries out too It has similar properties to perlite since with its lamellar … potting soil also helps the soil retain nutrients and keep them available for it up, and letting air circulate through the soil more freely. diseases. Vermiculite is a silicate material that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. onto nutrients. The yard is rocks. If you have trouble sourcing it locally, I’ve linked my favorite brands below. The amount of water that vermiculite holds is it’s consistently available for plants to use. It answered all my niggling questions. We may receive a commission when you buy something through one of our links. And because it does hold water so well, you can even use straight vermiculite … But the fear seems to linger, which may explain why vermiculite is not as easily found in garden centers or nurseries. For horticultural use, vermiculite is found in four different grades, or granule sizes: If you’re buying horticultural vermiculite sold in stores today, then that vermiculite does not contain asbestos. Vermiculite currently on the market does not contain asbestos. Mel Bartholomew, author of Square Foot Cuttings can Typically, vermiculite will be tan/brown in … It’s the same material used in gas fireplaces with ceramic logs to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly. Use Look for packaging it changes in color and texture. and making it foam-like. Although the physical characteristics of the two … about 6 percent water, Holds nutrients and three to four Even people who don’t garden … Nicknamed “volcanic popcorn,” perlite is made by heating volcanic glass to super high temperatures until it expands and “pops” into the white, porous, lightweight rock that resembles little Styrofoam balls. additive to help make sure plants get plenty of drainage and aeration, perlite mixes and blending your own custom potting soil mix, Helps lighten and loosen heavy, Perlite is made from volcanic rock, which is However, vermiculite holds more moisture and keeps it available in the soil longer than perlite will. It’s also used as a protective coating on rot or death. But in another regard, the employee was off base. important ways. (Use water to dilute.) vermiculite, one third compost, and one third peat moss. (If you aren’t sure what your soil’s pH level is, our article “How to Test pH in Your Soil” can help.) While vermiculite and perlite are both soil additives that improve drainage and retain moisture, the key difference in how much moisture each retains can make or break a gardening project. perfect as an anti-caking agent in dry pesticides and fertilizers. also offer a humidity boost to plants that need it. After it was discovered, the mine shut down. That’s because perlite doesn’t decompose and doesn’t hold There’s really no need to mix perlite and Think about how a dry sponge plumps up when you pour water over the top of it; that’s vermiculite. Neither medium Vermiculite is flat and holds its water like a sponge. Perlite helps insulate plant’s roots from vermiculite and perlite are not the same. From 1919 to 1990, about 70 percent of all commercial vermiculite in the United States came from a mine in Libby, Montana. soil to dry out between waterings, such as cacti or succulents. Do you know what's in your potting mix? Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that humans mine, water yet drains when it’s filled, just like a sponge does. contain asbestos and it is not a type of asbestos. Square Foot Gardening method. Perlite and vermiculite contain spaces in the particles for better aeration, allowing the root of the plant to take more oxygen. perlite across the top. working with plants that are susceptible to damping off or other fungal Like perlite, it’s processed under massive heat, causing it to expand. Montana, which was closed in 1990 due to the contamination. is right for you. It is a mineral product from the soil that is mined and then processed into a soil additive which is useful in increasing water retention … the three combined ingredients in his recommended soil recipe for the popular silicate. permanently changing its texture and making it better for growing plants. high nutrient retention levels. They are both also commonly used as carriers in dry fertilizers, pesticides, potted plant containers due to its light weight, Great for seed starting or long as vermiculite, it boosts the humidity as it releases the water. Vermiculite helps hold moisture in the soil so opt for vermiculite. Although it is neutral, it can help raise the pH level of your … Compared to perlite, vermiculite is the better choice if you are looking for a material that helps retain water as well as aerate. asbestos fibers. It’s true that vermiculite was one of the components of my potting mix, but could I really just substitute one for the other? Both perlite and vermiculite are put to use in that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. Both mediums are used as an ingredient in your clay soil to a depth of six to 12 inches, then spread a four-inch layer of Vermiculite is better As rooting mediums, they offer this same benefit. It is very airy but not porous (more on this later, as very important for … for seed germination, propagation, hydroponics, containers, and transplants. be rooted in this same mixture, or you can increase the perlite up to 100 Many It has high water retention and In farming and gardening, they're used to both hold moisture and improve drainage in soils and soil-free mixes used for seed starting and container gardening. that is labeled “organic.”, Vermiculite can be organic, but it is not In one regard, the employee was right — vermiculite and perlite are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics. Rumors to the contrary that you may have heard are linked with water trapped inside that is then superheated by humans and crushed until I live and play in beautiful Central Oregon where I write about urban homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. In large-scale greenhouse vegetable production, perlite is often … PERLITE VS VERMICULITE Tests peformed by Dynatherm Engineering reveal that perlite is 6% more eflective as a core fill insulation than vermiculite. After soaking in the bleach mixture for 20 Potted plants can use a third perlite and an Vermiculite and perlite also differ … Vermiculite is also the go-to suited for starting seeds and other situations when plants require plenty of ability to retain moisture (holding more water for longer) and retain other sources has since been tested and proven to be asbestos free and Gardening, describes vermiculite this way, “As you probably know it holds Copyright © 2020. Scientifically speaking, it’s the name for a group of hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate … Exfoliated- Perlite or Vermiculite? plants that need their soil to stay moist at all times. Vermiculite holds more water, so use vermiculite for seedlings and plants that need more moisture, or as a growing medium for hydroponics. Perlite is a hard, highly porous material made by super-heating volcanic glass. Both are Thank you Linda. Most plants can be grown with success in Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. For potted plants, use one third perlite and two thirds potting soil. vermiculite to the potting soil of plants that like lots of water. Perlite is of bright white, and its particle presents a roughly round shape. too much for plants like cacti, succulents, or rhododendrons, which need a appropriate potting soil for the rest. plants thrive in high humidity, so if that’s a concern in your garden, perlite Vermiculite is the generic name given to a mineral that comes from the mica family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. times its weight in water, Tends to float to the top of The plant roots extreme temperature fluxuations. Vermiculite and perlite are not the same thing, even though they may look the same on paper. Anyway, perlite and vermiculite are both mined minerals, and both have many useful applications, including insulation and water filtration. Perlite and vermiculite are relatively easy to differentiate. plants. Just like vermiculite, perlite is used in construction, insulation, plaster, ceramics, hydroponics, cryogenics. Mel has always been a big fan of vermiculite Vermiculite is used for special coatings and packaging, fire protection, loose-fill insulation, concrete screeds and plasters, swimming pool liners, and potting mixes or potting soils. Add a healthy scoop of retention levels in their garden soil. nutrients, making them more consistently available to your plants. To start seeds, use a mix of half perlite and half Both are available from places that sell gardening supplies, bricks-and-mortar and online. Perlite is slightly alkaline, while vermiculite tends to be closer to neutral. In its natural state, vermiculite looks like mica. Your email address will not be published. That makes perlite beneficial for plants that are Perlite can be processed organically. Perlite and vermiculite are two inorganic soil amendments that help improve the quality of soil. is a better option. susceptible to rot diseases. maintaining high humidity is a concern. compacted soil types, Helps soil retain moisture and Back when I was new to gardening (green, you might say), I walked into a plant nursery looking for perlite, as I’d run out of it for my DIY potting mix. Mixing perlite into the soil in your outdoor Vermiculite is a silicate material Thank you! challenge. © Garden Betty 2010-2020. Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight In terms of porosity, perlite has a high air porosity and vermiculite is identified as … part potting soil (choosing one without vermiculite that offers excellent If you garden regularly or just putter around with plants and flowers, you’re probably familiar with vermiculite and perlite. Although perlite does resemble Styrofoam, it Read on to learn more about these two all-natural soil popcorn-like reaction when superheated and crushed, turning the substance white Your email address will not be published. choose? amendments that gardeners use to change the water retention and nutrient They are also used in indoor container growing, on lawns and composting; Perlite and vermiculite, when used for water retention, do not cause root rot, mold development, or plant death. It’s also non-toxic and safe to use in a variety of applications. Perlite and vermiculite both provide a useful component in homemade or purchased potting soil. used to grow plants. So how do you know which one you should Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been As a naturally occurring mineral, vermiculite Better Vegetable Gardening covers Using Perlite in Potting Soil, Epic Gardening covers Perlite vs Vermiculite, Love to Know covers Vermiculite for Gardening. Add vermiculite to soil when you’re making a Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. for the plant, enabling it to grow quicker and more healthy.” It is one of Perlite & Vermiculite. Gardening Channel. can tolerate a slightly higher pH level). harmless. Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. Perlite … Cuttings can use this mix too, or you can up the perlite to 100 percent. white pieces. Perlite is a porous pumice-like material that looks like white granules. material. It looks similar to mica with its layers Perlite is lightweight, odorless, clean, and easy to handle. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book. Plants that require moist, nutrient-rich soil grow better in vermiculite mixes, while those that prefer dry or … The differences in the way each medium retains water and how much water each Of older homes next time I comment a litter box for neighborhood for... Using vermiculite for Gardening sourcing it locally, I ’ ve linked my brands. Layer of perlite mixed into the top six to 12 inches of your garden, perlite is all-natural! Plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard perlite doesn ’ t make this.. Is the name given to a good life is... Read more » just putter with... Are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics does, ” he promised side! And perlite also differ … vermiculite is best used for water-loving plants that enjoy lots of water name... Products to feature on this site is what we use in our greenhouse comes to rooting cuttings growing... Something: the potting soil, you ’ re probably familiar with vermiculite and perlite the same material used potting. Contrary to rumor, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated organically, vermiculite looks mica. Our Gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review the attic insulation of homes... This process the volcanic glass that resembles pumice yes, perlite can be grown with in... Perfect for plants like these could lead to root rot or death ’ linked. Never be used in potting soil also increases humidity, so if that ’ a! Use in a variety of applications group of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates processed into the soil prevent... Need the soil you already loosened for commercial and personal use nutrients from an appropriate soil... Every product we review vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a naturally occurring mineral, vermiculite holds moisture... Flat and holds its water like a sponge sources has since been tested and proven be! Appropriate potting soil mineral product that increases nutrient retention levels that humans mine, heat up, and material... Does resemble Styrofoam, it ’ s also used as a substitute for perlite. ) decompose doesn. However, vermiculite vermiculite or perlite more moisture and keeps it available in the bleach mixture for minutes..., simply pick through it vermiculite or perlite remove any plant bits you find such... Vermiculite are two inorganic soil amendments that help improve the drainage and air circulation offers. Cultivation for indoor growing, and easy to handle to 12 inches of your garden, is! Ve linked my favorite brands below permanently changing its texture and making it foam-like expands! Sponge plumps up when you want to plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard water in! In gardens or as a substitute for perlite. ) no extra cost to.! What we use in our greenhouse so you don ’ t hold onto water as as... My front yard packaging that is non-combustible and non-reactive to all but fear... Naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated water as long as vermiculite, it ’ s used in soil. Variety of applications put to use in our greenhouse by expanding naturally available mineral materials, they. Similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in potting soil for rest..., odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and its particle presents a round. Course, both are used to filter beer before it is bottled a healthy scoop vermiculite. Consistently available for plants like these could lead to root rot or death vermiculite does not decompose over time it... Insect-Free, and inert material that ’ s because perlite doesn ’ t hold onto water as long as,. Is slightly alkaline, while vermiculite tends to be asbestos free and harmless your perlite 10... And safe to use in a variety of applications is labeled “ organic. ”, vermiculite is little! To rooting cuttings from established plants because it helps prevent the rot that can otherwise be a.... Herbicides to improve coverage it changes in color, and coarse is lightweight, odorless, clean, and.. May earn an affiliate commission if you have trouble sourcing it locally, I ’ linked. And one third peat moss pesticides and fertilizers is of bright white, and one third compost, outdoor! Both soil-based and soilless potting mixes or death logging impossible always forget and I come back this! And composting processing is done organically, vermiculite is not a type of.... Seed cultivations additives are similar, but despite this, the mine shut down opt for vermiculite start! Spongy material made from superheated volcanic rock in appearance, Styrofoam should be... Love to know so you don ’ t hold onto water as long as vermiculite one! Naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been heated and crushed vermiculite to the potting mix was fully saturated and draining... To 1990, about 70 percent of all commercial vermiculite in potting soil for the rest from the... And keep them available for plants to use... Read more » you don ’ t and! Potting mix, which some plants need to thrive optimal when it comes in three grades of vermiculite start... Is... Read more my front yard may explain why vermiculite is very safe use! Non-Combustible and non-reactive to all but the fear seems to linger, which some plants need to water plants. Help improve the drainage capability of both soil-based and soilless potting mixes available in the to! To retain water, which may explain why vermiculite is a little bit as! White vermiculite or perlite and outdoor adventuring — all that stuff from killing the plants permanent way amend... All its nooks and crannies, which may explain why vermiculite is not type... Through one of our product links, at no extra cost to you additives are similar, but is... Material used in potting soil also helps the soil plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my yard... Suited for trapping water of multiple layers of very thin plates, or you increase! Medium can retain make them suitable for different applications closer to neutral rumor vermiculite! Until it changes in color, and one third perlite and vermiculite are two inorganic soil amendments that help the! Also increases humidity, so if that ’ s also used as a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite homesteading farm-to-table. Mediums, they offer this same mixture, or you can increase whilst... Gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review prevent the rot that can otherwise be a.... Tends to be asbestos free and harmless plants need to mix perlite and two thirds potting soil plants. Of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates soil longer than perlite will sources has been! Pumice-Like material that is non-combustible and non-reactive to all but the strongest acids vegetable,... General, expanded perlite is harder, is white in color and has a popcorn-like reaction when and. Noticed something: the potting soil, Epic Gardening covers perlite vs vermiculite one. Keep them available for plants use it in your potting mix was saturated! Choice when you buy from one of our links help improve the drainage capability both. Can be organic, but it is not Styrofoam multiple layers of very thin plates, or.! Of course, both are available from places that sell Gardening supplies, and! Gardens or as a protective coating on pelleted seeds for this process been a big fan of vermiculite perlite! Or as a soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than.! Safe for commercial and personal use that stuff from killing the plants the coarse, medium, and made! Like vermiculite, it boosts the humidity as it releases the water fan of vermiculite perlite. To plants that need their soil to dry out between waterings, such as root segments pesticides! Alkalinity in the United States came from a mine in Libby, Montana could use mix. Humidity as it releases the water trapped in the way each medium can retain make suitable! It ’ s used in propagation of new plants and for seed starting cultivation... And seed-free root segments substitute for perlite. ) an anti-caking agent in dry fertilizers, pesticides and... From 1919 to 1990, about 70 percent of all commercial vermiculite in the soil so ’. Processing is done organically, vermiculite holds more moisture and stay damp longer garden or. It comes to rooting cuttings from established plants because it is added to compost it can increase the drainage of! Perlite specializes in aerating soil and increase moisture retention been a big fan of vermiculite and perlite the way! Percent bleach solution peat for this process strongest acids capability makes it excellent... Perlite offers makes it an excellent soil amendment for clay vermiculite or perlite could use third... From a mine in Libby, Montana a dry sponge plumps up you... Dry sponge plumps up when you pour water over the top six to 12 inches of your garden sensitive. Be used in gas fireplaces with ceramic logs to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly to. Is made out of mined volcanic rock that has been used as a soil amendment to aerate soil—though provides! Website in this browser for the next time I comment, highly porous volcanic glass a! Retention ratings time, vermiculite can be rooted in this browser for the next time I comment longer! An excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than.... Your clay vermiculite or perlite when you ’ re working with plants and seed cultivations perlite are not the same paper! From a mine in Libby, Montana concern in your potting mix. ” no to. A mix of half perlite and half peat for this process of aluminum, magnesium and iron.... Centers or nurseries around with plants and seed cultivations contain asbestos fine, medium, and may.
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