—John Muir Live/Work Barn . Additionally, because the cuttings drain well, you eliminate the possibility of root rot. The Espoma Company has built up quite a reputation over the decades. Both perlite and vermiculite are highly porous, making them able to hold water in the soil so it’s available for your plants. Then rinse the perlite thoroughly. I have my Masters in Horticulture and have been working to advance hydroponic growing techniques for almost 30 years. I find that the vermiculite doesn’t hold the mixture moist as long as perlite does . Privacy Policy • The use of vermiculite in such situations can lead to root rot or death Vermiculite is ideal for plants that need a lot of water such as forget-me-nots and irises. Better Vegetable Gardening covers Using Perlite in Potting Soil, Epic Gardening covers Perlite vs Vermiculite, Love to Know covers Vermiculite for Gardening. The drainage and air circulation perlite offers makes it an excellent soil amendment for growing succulents. As a lightweight particle, perlite also prevents other organic ingredients from compacting one another. The high water retention of vermiculite can suffocate your plants if you aren’t careful. One major difference lies in the fact that perlite originates from volcanic glass, whereas vermiculite contains mica, a sheet silicate mineral. Two popular choices are perlite and vermiculite. Espoma vermiculite is ideal for organic gardening, hydroponics systems, or simply to improve aeration in heavy soil. Cuttings can be rooted in this same mixture, or you can increase the perlite up to 100 percent. Unlike peat or coco coir, perlite doesn’t come from an organic source and is superheated during its creation. Perlite vs. Pumice. 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. Vermiculite is widely used in commercial hydroponics, in seed starting, plants rooting, and as a soil conditioner. The use of vermiculite in such situations can lead to root rot or death. However, vermiculite holds more moisture and keeps it available in the soil longer than perlite will. Since perlite holds air very well, it can help you deal with a lack of oxygen. 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. Perlite is also the best option for planting epiphytes, cacti, succulents, and other plants that require plenty of drainage and aeration (and can tolerate a slightly higher pH level). Let us know in the comments! It’s formed when obsidian comes into contact with water, creating a unique volcanic glass with high water content. Although it’s a common misconception, vermiculite and perlite are not the same. Using vermiculite for rooting plants for propagation is exceptionally straightforward. Perlite is slightly alkaline, while vermiculite … And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul. If you’re looking for professional-grade perlite, you can’t go wrong with PVP Industries. So while it may not cut you, it’s coarse and will damage soft tissue, such as the gills of fish. WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT USING PERLITE VERSUS VERMICULITE? There is no definitive answer – some gardeners swear by perlite while others are adamant that vermiculite is the way to go. Most plants require more acidic conditions. After soaking in the bleach mixture for 20 minutes, rinse thoroughly. They are both used in propagation of new plants and for seed starting and cultivation for indoor growing, outdoor growing, and composting. Refunds/Returns Policy • Since vermiculate breaks down after some time, it’s a preferred medium for short-term plants like lettuce. Perlite doesn't really hold water, it holds some water in open pores, but it's readily available to air and other soil components to absorb it out of the open pore. That means vermiculite is a permanent way to amend and improve your soil. How much perlite to add depends on what you want to grow. Vermiculite is ideal for plants that need a lot of water such as forget-me-nots and irises. Vermiculite vs. Perlite. The vermiculite will stop the soil from being too compacted, it makes the compost more aerated and free draining. Before reusing, pick through the perlite to remove material like root segments. Perlite is an excellent amendment for clay soil when you want to increase the drainage and aeration of the soil. What to Remember about Vermiculite vs. Perlite. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that humans mine, heat up, and package for gardeners to use. Perlite is used in potting soil frequently because it’s a great amendment for increasing the drainage of soil, loosening it up, and letting air circulate through the soil more freely. The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. It has medium water retention ratings and low nutrient retention ratings. I myself like to use an already mixed recipe, Sunshine #4 mix, this is formulated with Canadian Sphagnum peat moss, coarse grade perlite, gypsum, Dolomitic lime, and a wetting agent. What do you think is best for your hydroponic garden? Rooting Media; Growing Medium; Potting Mix; Soilless Mixes; Potting Soil; Hyrdo (ponics) Each option for a soilless mix offers its own benefits. Propagation using Vermiculite and Perlite. The final product is light and has many tiny nooks and crannies. Using vermiculite for plants like these could lead to root rot or death. The plant roots grow around the particles and take in whatever moisture they need and since the particles of vermiculite take a long time to dry out, moisture is always there for the plant, enabling it to grow quicker and more healthy.” It is one of the three combined ingredients in his recommended soil recipe for the popular Square Foot Gardening method. Perlite’s low water retention makes it a perfect match for rhododendrons, succulents, or cacti, which require well-drained soil. The most common way to use perlite is in propagating plants by cuttings. It doesn’t rot or mold and is completely sterile and non-toxic. (If you aren’t sure what your soil’s pH level is, our article “How to Test pH in Your Soil” can help.). It’s also used as a protective coating on pelleted seeds. Perlite . The water trapped in the volcanic glass has a popcorn-like reaction when superheated and crushed, turning the substance white and making it foam-like. Thus, in the perlite vs vermiculite discussion, whereas perlite is adequate for cuttings and splitting, vermiculite is recommended for seedlings. Although it’s a common misconception, vermiculite and perlite are not the same. Use one part potting soil (choosing one without vermiculite that offers excellent drainage), one part coarse sand, and one part perlite. A quick comparison of perlite and vermiculite discussing some of their applications for a home gardener. Add perlite to your soil for plants which need their soil to dry out between waterings, such as cacti or succulents. Perlite can also offer a humidity boost to plants that need it. perlite-In horticulture it makes composts more open to air, while still having good water-retention properties; it makes a good medium for hydroponics Vermiculite- Blocking mixes Hydroponics Micro-propagation Potting mixes Rooting cuttings Seed germination Seedling wedgemix Sowing composts Perlite does not decompose over time because it is made from superheated volcanic rock. Since perlite doesn’t retain much water, efforts must be taken to keep roots continuously wet. The general ratio is a 50/50 formula that ensures the mix isn’t washed away in ebb and flow systems. Perlite is optimal when it comes to rooting cuttings from established plants because it helps prevent the rot that can otherwise be a challenge. (Use water to dilute.) If you have a plant that requires a lot of water, mixing a scoop of vermiculite or using it alone is the correct path to go. It reduces the caking of soil and loosens clay soil. Perlite and vermiculite are used to propagate new plants and seed cultivations. Vermiculite retains water. Perlite is best for those plants which require water, but not stagnant water. Dip the cut end of each cutting in the rooting hormone and push it into the prepared vermiculite. It has a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. While rooting cuttings in perlite creates an extra step, since once the cuttings have developed roots, they need to be transplanted into potting soil, there appears to be fewer cuttings lost to rot using this method. It’s suitable for starting seeds, storing bulbs, and propagating cuttings. I love sharing my knowledge with readers here on IGT. Vermiculite can get quite soggy, but perlite doesn't to nearly the same extent, so I suppose the argument that it retains moisture better than perlite is probably true. 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