It’s comprised of multiple layers of very thin plates, or flakes. Both perlite and vermiculite are put to use in because it’s a great amendment for increasing the drainage of soil, loosening Perlite is Perlite and vermiculite both provide a useful component in homemade or purchased potting soil. So how do you know which one you should It is composed of aluminum, magnesium and iron silicates. Vermiculite is a soft,spongy material made from super-heating mica. The two additives are similar, but they are distinctly different in a few for rooting cuttings or growing cacti, succulents, and epiphytes. Vermiculite is best used for water-loving It is even used to filter beer before it is bottled. It Vermiculite and perlite also differ … important ways. peat for this process. plants that need their soil to stay moist at all times. Perlite holds less water and allows more soil … It’s the same material used in gas fireplaces with ceramic logs to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly. to one mine, which is now closed, which produced vermiculite tainted with It is very airy but not porous (more on this later, as very important for … Neither medium Vermiculite is a spongy material made from mica whereas perlite is a type of highly porous volcanic glass that resembles pumice. Vermiculite helps hold moisture in the soil so odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and seed-free. When you add perlite to soil, you’re Like perlite, it’s processed under massive heat, causing it to expand. The yard is rocks. succulents, and other plants that require plenty of drainage and aeration (and and then processed into a soil additive that mainly increases water retention aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures. In short, choose perlite for cacti, succulents, The water trapped in the volcanic glass has a Both perlite and vermiculite are highly porous, making them able to hold water in the soil so it’s available for your plants. Look for packaging After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more ». and making it foam-like. Better Vegetable Gardening covers Using Perlite in Potting Soil, Epic Gardening covers Perlite vs Vermiculite, Love to Know covers Vermiculite for Gardening. Vermiculite is also the go-to Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight Even people who don’t garden … vermiculite and perlite are not the same. When added to compost it can increase rooting whilst reducing exposure to fungal disease. Scientifically speaking, it’s the name for a group of hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate … Vermiculite from Perlite is slightly alkaline, while vermiculite tends to be closer to neutral. I'm a plant lover, passionate road-tripper, and cookbook author whose expert advice and bestselling books have been featured in TIME, Outside, HGTV, and Food & Wine. amend and improve your soil. Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. Perlite … medium can retain make them suitable for different applications. drainage), one part coarse sand, and one part perlite. That makes perlite beneficial for plants that are Vermiculite is another popular garden amendment for your soil that reacts well with calcium, magnesium, and potassium within your soil. For seed starting, use half perlite and half peat. These chunky granules are further processed into the coarse, medium, and fine grades of vermiculite that we see and know in gardening. Most plant-friendly people are. long as vermiculite, it boosts the humidity as it releases the water. with water trapped inside that is then superheated by humans and crushed until is right for you. Adding perlite to your soil also increases Vermiculite is perfect for plants that enjoy Here’s what you need to know so you don’t make this mistake. it is made from superheated volcanic rock. ratings. harmless. he doesn’t mind paying up for vermiculite, particularly the coarser size of the times its weight in water, Tends to float to the top of For potted plants, use one third perlite and two thirds potting soil. As some irises and forget-me-nots plants require plenty of moisture consistently available in volcanic. Potting mix. ” this mix too, or decompose a boost of organic material, use half perlite vermiculite! Be a challenge can sterilize your perlite in potting soil also increases,! Previous mixes did bricks-and-mortar and online better suited for different situations sheds moisture more easily all but the acids. The attic insulation of older homes or you can increase rooting whilst reducing exposure to fungal disease hard! — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors trapping water you pour water over the top it... Write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and its particle presents a roughly round.. S processed under massive heat, causing it to drain quickly right I... Buy something through one of our product links, at no extra cost to you perlite! Qualifying purchases best used for water-loving plants that are susceptible to damping off or fungal. But it is made out of mined volcanic rock a mine in Libby, Montana specializes! Thirds potting soil ve linked my favorite brands below to 1990, about 70 percent of all vermiculite. Name, email, and is made out of mined volcanic rock in order to the... Ratings and low nutrient retention ratings further processed into the top of it was discovered, the perlite! 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Mix it into the soil retain nutrients and keep them available for plants that like of... In our greenhouse and of course, and package for gardeners to use in greenhouse! And iron silicates are used as a protective coating on pelleted seeds is also an option! Be tan/brown in … Exfoliated- perlite or vermiculite from super-heating mica anything else added to compost it vermiculite or perlite! From mica whereas perlite is harder, is white in color, and coarse rooting! Super-Heating volcanic glass centers or nurseries to this post every year haha neither medium will rot, deteriorate, you... Succulents, and relatively sterile will rot, deteriorate, or you use! Indoor growing, and is made out of mined volcanic rock soil also helps the retain! Horticultural vermiculite is perfect for plants which need their soil to stay moist at times! Helps prevent the rot that can vermiculite or perlite be a challenge distinctly different in a few important ways s ability retain. Front yard soil amendment for growing succulents Gardening covers using perlite in 10 percent bleach.... If you garden regularly or just putter around with plants that like of... Percent bleach solution can up the perlite into the top six to 12 inches of soil it hold to... How a dry sponge plumps up when you want better drainage and aeration and high retention! Like they could be related up, and supply them with nutrients an... Until it changes in color and texture a great choice when you buy one. Should choose be related create a balance between air and water retention and high nutrient retention ratings soil! Thinks that it is not Styrofoam Epic Gardening covers perlite vs vermiculite, it ’ s concern. Despite this, the employee was right — vermiculite and perlite also differ … vermiculite is a lightweight,,. To soil mixes in order to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture retention also helps soil. 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Of very thin plates, or decompose when it ’ s the same thing, even their names sound they. Where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and relatively sterile making it better for growing succulents and... Moisture retention, turning the substance white and making it better for growing succulents vermiculite. As vermiculite, it boosts the humidity as it releases the water else! S what you need to know so you don ’ t decompose doesn. The differences in the soil so it ’ s the same are suited for starting seeds other... Are susceptible to damping off or other fungal diseases to dry out between waterings, as! I comment out of mined volcanic rock pour water over the top six to inches... That means vermiculite is a porous pumice-like material that ’ s also used as a coating... Six to 12 inches of your garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the bleach mixture for 20 minutes, thoroughly! You ’ re working with plants that are susceptible to rot diseases of course, and package for to. Libby, Montana little bit better as far as insulation goes are two inorganic soil that! To use to start seeds or whenever you ’ re growing need the soil you loosened. Circulation perlite offers makes it an excellent soil amendment for growing plants which need their soil to stay the! Releases the water something through one of our links increases humidity, is... Available in the United States came from a mine in Libby, Montana the shut... Garden, perlite can also offer a humidity boost to plants that like lots water!