Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. 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. The cavern-like texture of perlite helps it shed water more readily than vermiculite, while at the same time storing moisture and nutrients for the plant. (Despite similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in gardens or as a substitute for perlite.) 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. vermiculite: how do you know which one to use in the garden? Here’s what you need to know so you don’t make this mistake. 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. Right away I noticed something: the potting mix was fully saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did. 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. Vermiculite and perlite are not the same thing, even though they may look the same on paper. 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. Ideal for seed starting or blending into potting mixesīut in another regard, the employee was off base.
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