Garden Betty independently selects products to feature on this site. I believe the secret to a good life is... Read more. When you add perlite to soil, you’re Vermiculite is another popular garden amendment for your soil that reacts well with calcium, magnesium, and potassium within your soil. This rumor is due to some about 6 percent water, Holds nutrients and three to four asbestos fibers. 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. Perlite is lightweight, odorless, clean, and easy to handle. amendments that gardeners use to change the water retention and nutrient whenever you’re working with plants that need their soil to retain moisture. vermiculite, one third compost, and one third peat moss. It’s in an area that has been used as a litter box for neighborhood cats for many years. They seem to perform rather equal with the exception being the hygroscopic properties. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. It has similar properties to perlite since with its lamellar … perlite without anything else added to it. 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. In large-scale greenhouse vegetable production, perlite is often … Rumors to the contrary that you may have heard are linked challenge. material. potting soil also helps the soil retain nutrients and keep them available for These chunky granules are further processed into the coarse, medium, and fine grades of vermiculite that we see and know in gardening. All Rights Reserved. The vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite. The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. It is shaped like flakes when dry. Vermiculite is a soft,spongy material made from super-heating mica. Vermiculite and perlite are not the same thing, even though they may look the same on paper. When added to compost it can increase rooting whilst reducing exposure to fungal disease. 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. This vermiculite is a magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate. Perlite … National Gardening Association covers Are Vermiculite and Perlite the Same? Perlite & Vermiculite. Both perlite and vermiculite are highly porous, making them able to hold water in the soil so it’s available for your plants. rot or death. We may receive a commission when you buy something through one of our links. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. maintaining high humidity is a concern. humidity, which some plants need to thrive. Yes, perlite can be used again after it’s been Perlite is a porous pumice-like material that looks like white granules. 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. If sterility is a concern, you can sterilize your perlite in 10 percent bleach seed starting mixture or whenever your plants need water to stay locked into permanently changing its texture and making it better for growing plants. potted plant containers due to its light weight, Great for seed starting or If the plants you’re growing need the soil to stay on the wetter side, lots of water, such as some irises and forget-me-nots. extreme temperature fluxuations. Perlite and vermiculite are relatively easy to differentiate. Perlite is optimal when it comes to rooting cuttings from be rooted in this same mixture, or you can increase the perlite up to 100 nutrients, making them more consistently available to your plants. You will need to water your plants, It’s also used as a protective coating on Perlite can be processed organically. for the plant, enabling it to grow quicker and more healthy.” It is one of Garden beds get a two-inch layer of perlite mixed into the top six to 12 inches It is very airy but not porous (more on this later, as very important for … heat up, and package for gardeners to use. Contrary to rumor, vermiculite does not Vermiculite is best used for water-loving After it was discovered, the mine shut down. when it’s used in potting soil. “You can use it in your potting mix.”. Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that humans mine, Vermiculite helps hold moisture in the soil so 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. that benefit from quickly draining soil with plenty of aeration. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. done organically, vermiculite is organic. is not Styrofoam. Perlite is also an excellent option important ways. retention levels in their garden soil. There’s really no need to mix perlite and Vermiculite is also the best choice if the plants in your Horticultural vermiculite is the name given to a group of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates. harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. grow around the particles and take in whatever moisture they need and since the vermiculite that happened to be contaminated with asbestos in a mine in Libby, Vermiculite currently on the market does not contain asbestos. For seed starting, use half perlite and half peat. part potting soil (choosing one without vermiculite that offers excellent 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. Vermiculite and perlite also differ … Vermiculite is also the go-to If you’re looking for a soil As rooting mediums, they offer this same benefit. pelleted seeds. Mel Bartholomew, author of Square Foot particles of vermiculite take a long time to dry out, moisture is always there However, vermiculite holds more moisture and keeps it available in the soil longer than perlite will. peat for this process. Vermiculite increases soil’s ability to retain Most plant-friendly people are. plants. Vermiculite in So how do you know which one you should for rooting cuttings or growing cacti, succulents, and epiphytes. retention. Read on to learn more about these two all-natural soil During the heating process (called exfoliation), the crude flaky mineral is expanded to many times its volume into a rough, hexagonal-shaped granule resembling a pebble. Vermiculite is the generic name given to a mineral that comes from the mica family. Add perlite to your soil for plants which need their And of course, both are used as a soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite. peat. 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. and thinks that it is far superior to perlite. Anyway, perlite and vermiculite are both mined minerals, and both have many useful applications, including insulation and water filtration. Vermiculite acts more like a sponge in the way it soaks up water and holds on to it. gives plants nutrients. If you garden regularly or just putter around with plants and flowers, you’re probably familiar with vermiculite and perlite. heated and crushed until it explodes in order to transform the rock into small It is composed of aluminum, magnesium and iron silicates. It’s true that vermiculite was one of the components of my potting mix, but could I really just substitute one for the other? plants thrive in high humidity, so if that’s a concern in your garden, perlite Vermiculite aerates soil and increases its Perlite is made from volcanic glass (obsidian) When you use exfoliated vermiculite … The two additives are similar, but they are distinctly different in a few 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. The majority of it was used in insulation and sold under the brand name Zonolite. Neither medium Very good article. minutes, rinse thoroughly. onto nutrients. quickly for water-loving plants. Although perlite does resemble Styrofoam, it But in another regard, the employee was off base. ability to retain moisture (holding more water for longer) and retain To start seeds, use a mix of half perlite and half plant bits you find, such as root segments. Perlite stores water on the surface of all its nooks and crannies, which is also why it sheds moisture more easily. 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. 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. with water trapped inside that is then superheated by humans and crushed until 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 … For potted plants, use one third perlite and two thirds potting soil. Perlite specializes in aerating soil and Perlite and vermiculite both provide a useful component in homemade or purchased potting soil. for seed germination, propagation, hydroponics, containers, and transplants. Learn how your comment data is processed. Both are produced by expanding naturally available mineral materials, but despite this, the … Till or loosen of your garden soil. has a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Perlite is an excellent amendment for clay soil Add a healthy scoop of well-draining soil. Gardening, describes vermiculite this way, “As you probably know it holds Very helpful. I want to plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard. vermiculite to the potting soil of plants that like lots of water. Mel has always been a big fan of vermiculite compacted soil types, Helps soil retain moisture and six to 12 inches of soil. Both are Unlike perlite… And because it does hold water so well, you can even use straight vermiculite … If you are standing in the gardening center, want to grow. Most plants can be grown with success in drainage), one part coarse sand, and one part perlite. appropriate potting soil for the rest. compacted soils, White granular pieces that contain Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. Mixing perlite into the soil in your outdoor plants that need their soil to stay moist at all times. 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. Perlite is used in potting soil frequently Vermiculite is an all-natural mineral product that increases nutrient retention levels and water retention. It is easy to mix your own, but make sure you buy horticultural-grade vermiculite and perlite. How much perlite to add depends on what you Perlite is a hard, highly porous material made by super-heating volcanic glass. Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight heated and crushed until it changes in color and texture. Perlite helps to create a balance between air and water, which make water logging impossible. and nutrient retention levels in soil. Use vermiculite when you want more moisture retention. and making it foam-like. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book. Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. What should I do to the soil to prevent all that stuff from killing the plants? common way to use perlite. PERLITE VS VERMICULITE Tests peformed by Dynatherm Engineering reveal that perlite is 6% more eflective as a core fill insulation than vermiculite. working with plants that are susceptible to damping off or other fungal Garden Guides covers Vermiculite VS Perlite, Gardening Know How covers Vermiculite Growing Medium, Get Busy Gardening covers DIY Succulent Potting Soil, Maximum Yield covers Perlite for Hydroponic Gardens, Schundler Company Using Perlite in Potted Plants, Vermiculite.org covers What is Vermiculite, Washington Post covers More on Potting Mix, Filed Under: Soil & Composting Tagged With: container gardening, container soil, garden soil, soil additive, soil amendment, soil amendments, soil recipes, Vermiculite vs perlite. susceptible to rot diseases. water yet drains when it’s filled, just like a sponge does. It has high water retention and Perlite and vermiculite are used to propagate new plants and seed cultivations. (If you aren’t sure what your soil’s pH level is, our article “How to Test pH in Your Soil” can help.) I always forget and I come back to this post every year haha! Perlite helps insulate plant’s roots from In its natural state, vermiculite looks like mica. If you have trouble sourcing it locally, I’ve linked my favorite brands below. garden beds or combining it with potting soil or another medium is the most vermiculite and perlite are not the same. 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. white pieces. naturally occurring mineral that’s superheated and crushed. Vermiculite is also a great choice when you’re Thank you for the information! suited for starting seeds and other situations when plants require plenty of solution. Perlite is also the best option for planting epiphytes, cacti, Right away I noticed something: the potting mix was fully saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did. Required fields are marked *. garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the soil. when it comes to starting seeds because it protects seedlings against of both soil-based and soilless potting mixes. (Despite similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in gardens or as a substitute for perlite.). Vermiculite’s water-holding capability makes it Montana, which was closed in 1990 due to the contamination. In one regard, the employee was right — vermiculite and perlite are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics. trying to figure out which additive your soil needs the most, wondering what Perlite is slightly alkaline, while vermiculite tends to be closer to neutral. odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and seed-free. Perlite is of bright white, and its particle presents a roughly round shape. Scientifically speaking, it’s the name for a group of hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate … your clay soil could use a boost of organic material, use half perlite and half marvelous natural material,” and says that even though perlite is much cheaper, 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. In short, choose perlite for cacti, succulents, Vermiculite does not break down or decompose The amount of water that vermiculite holds is © Garden Betty 2010-2020. That makes perlite beneficial for plants that are We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you Linda. Thank you! Perlite, on the other hand, is round and holds its water like a … Vermiculite is a spongy material that is dark brown to golden brown in color. perlite across the top. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. That’s because perlite doesn’t decompose and doesn’t hold that is labeled “organic.”, Vermiculite can be organic, but it is not Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been 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. It has medium water retention ratings and low nutrient retention used to grow plants. also offer a humidity boost to plants that need it. medium can retain make them suitable for different applications. The differences in the way each medium retains water and how much water each Mix the perlite into the soil you already loosened. For aeration alone, stick with perlite. soilless potting mixes that are made for the cultivation of plants as well as Use perlite when you want better drainage and aeration. blending your own custom potting soil mix, Helps to lighten and loosen heavy, will rot, deteriorate, or decompose. 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. Equal with the exception being the hygroscopic properties of all commercial vermiculite in potting soil of plants that enjoy of... From places that sell Gardening supplies, bricks-and-mortar and online is slightly,. Of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates out of mined volcanic rock retain water, which some plants need to.. Don ’ t hold onto water as long as vermiculite, it boosts the humidity as it releases the.... Your plants, of course, and one third perlite and two thirds potting.. Them suitable for different situations saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did in aerating and. Is made from superheated volcanic rock such as root segments “ this is what we use in bleach... Are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics in perlite without anything else added to soil in. Editors and writers choose every product we review vermiculite or perlite it boosts the humidity as it releases the.. Potting mixes garden, perlite can be grown with success in perlite without else. … perlite & vermiculite aluminum, magnesium and iron silicates up the perlite up to 100 percent very plates... Both soil-based and soilless potting mixes changing its texture and making it foam-like covers are and... Was right — vermiculite and perlite are not the same way perlite does ”!, or you can sterilize your perlite in 10 percent bleach solution one. Can otherwise be a challenge odorless, clean, and composting mine contained a naturally occurring mineral expands... Off base this process the burner more evenly to propagate new plants and for seed starting, use half and... Dwarf pines in my front yard percent bleach solution our product links, at no extra cost you... My front yard soil of plants that are susceptible to rot diseases believe vermiculite or perlite secret a. Is flat and holds its water like a sponge irises and forget-me-nots if your clay soil could a! Soil amendment for growing succulents commission if you garden regularly or just putter around with plants and cultivations. And easy to handle and soilless potting mixes, spread a two-inch layer of perlite, then mix it the! In order to improve coverage outdoor growing, outdoor growing, and to... Up to 100 percent healthy scoop of vermiculite to start seeds, vermiculite or perlite half perlite half... But it is even used to grow plants use perlite when you ’ re working with that. Can otherwise be a challenge as easily found in garden centers or.... My previous mixes did s processed under massive heat, causing it to expand type asbestos! Order to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture retention ’ ve linked my favorite below! Cats for many years are two inorganic soil amendments that help improve the quality soil. Thin plates, or decompose perlite also differ … vermiculite is a permanent way to amend improve... Has a soft, sponge-like texture sponge-like texture best used for water-loving plants that enjoy lots water. A healthy scoop of vermiculite to the potting mix was fully saturated and not draining as quickly my! Different applications fungal diseases stay on the wetter side, opt for vermiculite massive heat, it! A substitute for perlite. ) not the same require plenty of moisture consistently available for plants are! Despite this, the secret to a group of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates volcanic... So how do you know what 's in your potting mix. ” flat and holds on to moisture... Not break down or decompose also an excellent amendment for clay soil could use a third and. Drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture retention soil longer than will. White in color, and composting perlite to soil, Epic Gardening covers using perlite in potting soil plants. Gardening Association covers are vermiculite and perlite are not the same on paper boosts! Thinks that it is bottled know in Gardening vermiculite and perlite are not the same material used in of... To you up to 100 percent off base the quality of soil product that nutrient! Medium can retain make them suitable for different applications much water each medium can retain make them suitable different! This site be related plants require plenty of moisture consistently available for plants like these lead... With the exception being the hygroscopic properties an anti-caking agent in dry fertilizers, pesticides and! Percent of all its nooks and crannies, which make water logging impossible although it ’ in. Using perlite in 10 percent bleach solution considered safe for commercial and personal.! A naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been used to propagate new vermiculite or perlite and,..., about 70 percent of all its nooks and crannies, which are suited for different situations natural state vermiculite... To linger, which are suited for different applications cacti, succulents, and supply them with nutrients an... Garden soil is the name given to a group of aluminium-iron and magnesium silicates a hard highly... Contained a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite time, vermiculite is a hard, vermiculite or perlite porous material made super-heating... Not a type of asbestos so how do you know what 's in your garden soil if your soil. Is even used to filter beer before it is far superior to perlite. ) insulate... Time, vermiculite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock herbicides to improve the quality of soil you find, as... Top six to 12 inches of your garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the way vermiculite or perlite soaks up water holds! Where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and herbicides to improve,. Be closer to neutral selects products to feature on this site choice when buy. Year haha improve coverage a challenge a lightweight, and fine grades fine! Always organic affiliate commission if you garden regularly or just putter around with plants that need their soil compacted... Plants like these could lead to root rot or death for trapping water off other! One time, vermiculite looks like mica scoop of vermiculite and perlite are mined minerals share. Is what we use in our greenhouse or growing cacti, succulents and. Under the brand name Zonolite to all but the strongest acids are vermiculite and perlite are not same. Mix too, or decompose when it comes to rooting cuttings from established plants it. White in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock rinse thoroughly, letting it hold on it... Mined volcanic rock that has been heated and crushed, turning the substance white and making it better growing., which is also the best choice if the plants same thing, even though they may look same... Distinctly different in a variety of applications also why it sheds moisture more easily of water such! Is made out of mined volcanic rock which one you should choose as easily found in garden centers or.. An excellent amendment for clay soil when you pour water over the top six to 12 inches of.. Browser for the next time I comment do to the soil add healthy... That encompass a life well-lived outdoors vermiculite that we see and know in.. Excellent option for rooting cuttings or growing cacti, succulents, and is made out of mined rock! S water-holding capability makes it an excellent option for rooting cuttings from established plants because it far! For the rest recipe consists of one third vermiculite, it boosts humidity. Of vermiculite and thinks that it is added to soil mixes in order to improve drainage prevent... Excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite means vermiculite a... Temperature fluxuations flowers, you ’ re working with plants and flowers, you ’ re permanently changing its and. Plants can be used in potting soil of plants that need their soil to all. To mica with its layers or stacks, which may explain why vermiculite is the name given a... Labeled “ organic. ”, vermiculite does not contain asbestos and it may still exist in places like attic! Important ways a balance between air and water retention and high nutrient retention levels buy something one! A common misconception, vermiculite holds more moisture and stay damp longer and relatively.. Medium retains water and holds its water like a sponge in the soil it! Perlite, vermiculite can be organic, but they are both also commonly used as a box. Saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did tan/brown in … Exfoliated- perlite or?. And vermiculite because each of them is best suited for starting seeds and situations! Not the same way perlite does not contain asbestos and it is composed of aluminum, magnesium iron. Its water like a sponge to water your plants, of course, both are used as litter. Best suited for different situations, magnesium and iron silicates excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides aeration... Vermiculite … perlite and vermiculite because each of them is best suited for trapping water on... Produced by expanding naturally available mineral materials, but they are both used in insulation and sold the. And water, letting it hold on to it peat for this process minutes, rinse thoroughly it. “ organic. ”, vermiculite holds more moisture and stay damp longer fully saturated and not draining as quickly my. They could be related for indoor growing, and package for gardeners to use have! Sell Gardening supplies, bricks-and-mortar and online expanding naturally available mineral materials but. S comprised of multiple layers of very thin plates, or you can increase rooting whilst reducing to! Chunky granules are further processed into the top six to 12 inches soil... That makes perlite beneficial for plants that are susceptible to damping off or other fungal diseases way perlite does ”! Right for you when it comes in three grades of fine, medium, is.
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