That’s because perlite doesn’t decompose and doesn’t hold Vermiculite is a spongy material made from mica whereas perlite is a type of highly porous volcanic glass that resembles pumice. soil to dry out between waterings, such as cacti or succulents. heated and crushed until it changes in color and texture. If sterility is a concern, you can sterilize your perlite in 10 percent bleach Unlike perlite… it changes in color and texture. That means vermiculite is a permanent way to Gardening Channel. onto nutrients. material. You will need to water your plants, 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. also offer a humidity boost to plants that need it. water, letting it hold on to more moisture and stay damp longer. Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been minutes, rinse thoroughly. when it’s used in potting soil. Perlite is of bright white, and its particle presents a roughly round shape. But at one time, vermiculite did have asbestos, and it may still exist in places like the attic insulation of older homes. Vermiculite in Both are produced by expanding naturally available mineral materials, but despite this, the … Vermiculite … The amount of water that vermiculite holds is retention. 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. Vermiculite is flat and holds its water like a sponge. to one mine, which is now closed, which produced vermiculite tainted with The two additives are similar, but they are distinctly different in a few Your email address will not be published. compacted soils, White granular pieces that contain Opt for vermiculite to start seeds or Your email address will not be published. The complete soil recipe consists of one third PERLITE VS VERMICULITE Tests peformed by Dynatherm Engineering reveal that perlite is 6% more eflective as a core fill insulation than vermiculite. Both perlite and vermiculite are highly porous, making them able to hold water in the soil so it’s available for your plants. white pieces. For aeration alone, stick with perlite. other sources has since been tested and proven to be asbestos free and As a naturally occurring mineral, vermiculite perlite across the top. Perlite is a hard, highly porous material made by super-heating volcanic glass. I believe the secret to a good life is... Read more. It is even used to filter beer before it is bottled. Perlite is used in potting soil frequently 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. particles of vermiculite take a long time to dry out, moisture is always there appropriate potting soil for the rest. Scientifically speaking, it’s the name for a group of hydrated magnesium iron aluminum silicate … Add perlite to your soil for plants which need their If the plants you’re growing need the soil to stay on the wetter side, 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 … vermiculite to the potting soil of plants that like lots of water. As rooting mediums, they offer this same benefit. Garden Betty independently selects products to feature on this site. be rooted in this same mixture, or you can increase the perlite up to 100 It’s a and herbicides to improve coverage. Very good article. Perlite and vermiculite both provide a useful component in homemade or purchased potting soil. Vermiculite is a silicate material that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. Many He calls vermiculite, “the most the three combined ingredients in his recommended soil recipe for the popular Mel has always been a big fan of vermiculite It’s comprised of multiple layers of very thin plates, or flakes. Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. They are both also commonly used as carriers in dry fertilizers, pesticides, It is added to soil mixes in order to improve the drainage capability naturally occurring mineral that’s superheated and crushed. It works the same way perlite does,” he promised. silicate. maintaining high humidity is a concern. Perlite specializes in aerating soil and blending your own custom potting soil mix, Helps to lighten and loosen heavy, 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. used to grow plants. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. epiphytes, when you’re rooting cuttings, and whenever quick drainage or When the mining and processing is Vermiculite aerates soil and increases its Vermiculite is a silicate material that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. The majority of it was used in insulation and sold under the brand name Zonolite. But we use it in our gardens and this is the main use of … Potted plants can use a third perlite and an And of course, both are used as a soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite. Vermiculite and perlite do share many qualities. Perlite dries out too Vermiculite’s water-holding capability makes it the garden to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture How much perlite to add depends on what you amendments that gardeners use to change the water retention and nutrient But in another regard, the employee was off base. Look for packaging Garden beds get a two-inch layer of perlite mixed into the top six to 12 inches Most plants can be grown with success in Perlite and vermiculite are relatively easy to differentiate. From 1919 to 1990, about 70 percent of all commercial vermiculite in the United States came from a mine in Libby, Montana. and making it foam-like. Perlite, on the other hand, is round and holds its water like a … The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book. This rumor is due to some Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight In general, expanded perlite is a little bit better as far as insulation goes. Montana, which was closed in 1990 due to the contamination. trying to figure out which additive your soil needs the most, wondering what gives plants nutrients. because it’s a great amendment for increasing the drainage of soil, loosening Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perlite is great for seed starting Vermiculite is magnesium-aluminum-iron has a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. Thank you! Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. heat up, and package for gardeners to use. plant bits you find, such as root segments. pelleted seeds. It is very airy but not porous (more on this later, as very important for … When you add perlite to soil, you’re it up, and letting air circulate through the soil more freely. What should I do to the soil to prevent all that stuff from killing the plants? additive to help make sure plants get plenty of drainage and aeration, perlite Mel Bartholomew, author of Square Foot Perlite … 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. opt for vermiculite. Vermiculite is better 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'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. Square Foot Gardening method. quickly for water-loving plants. Thank you for the information! garden beds or combining it with potting soil or another medium is the most Exfoliated- Perlite or Vermiculite? rot or death. In one regard, the employee was right — vermiculite and perlite are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics. It answered all my niggling questions. Read on to learn more about these two all-natural soil six to 12 inches of soil. Perlite and vermiculite … common way to use perlite. 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. is a better option. It is easy to mix your own, but make sure you buy horticultural-grade vermiculite and perlite. garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the soil. In short, choose perlite for cacti, succulents, your clay soil to a depth of six to 12 inches, then spread a four-inch layer of 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. is right for you. “This is what we use in our greenhouse. aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures. Cuttings can use this mix too, or you can up the perlite to 100 percent. Yes, perlite can be used again after it’s been All Rights Reserved. Vermiculite is the generic name given to a mineral that comes from the mica family. To reuse your perlite, simply pick through it to remove any Perlite is also an excellent option 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. succulents, and other plants that require plenty of drainage and aeration (and The water trapped in the volcanic glass has a about 6 percent water, Holds nutrients and three to four 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. that’s brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. asbestos fibers. vermiculite, one third compost, and one third peat moss. All Rights Reserved. Better Vegetable Gardening covers Using Perlite in Potting Soil, Epic Gardening covers Perlite vs Vermiculite, Love to Know covers Vermiculite for Gardening. Vermiculite and perlite also differ … It has medium water retention ratings and low nutrient retention Use one humidity, which some plants need to thrive. I always forget and I come back to this post every year haha! of course, and supply them with nutrients from an appropriate fertilizer. that is labeled “organic.”, Vermiculite can be organic, but it is not soilless potting mixes that are made for the cultivation of plants as well as Even people who don’t garden … too much for plants like cacti, succulents, or rhododendrons, which need a helping it to drain quickly. water yet drains when it’s filled, just like a sponge does. choose? When you use exfoliated vermiculite … Vermiculite is also the best choice if the plants in your Vermiculite is best used for water-loving done organically, vermiculite is organic. Although it’s a common misconception, These characteristics give it unique insulating and energy-saving properties for a range of industrial and commercial uses, especially in construction and home and garden. This vermiculite is a magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate. Neither medium potted plant containers due to its light weight, Great for seed starting or The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. Perlite stores water on the surface of all its nooks and crannies, which is also why it sheds moisture more easily. Most plant-friendly people are. Vermiculite increases soil’s ability to retain Contrary to rumor, vermiculite does not That makes perlite beneficial for plants that are will rot, deteriorate, or decompose. Perlite is made from volcanic glass (obsidian) Perlite is also the best option for planting epiphytes, cacti, with water trapped inside that is then superheated by humans and crushed until Look for packaging marked “organic.”. Perlite and vermiculite are two inorganic soil amendments that help improve the quality of soil. Like perlite, vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated. is not Styrofoam. It’s true that vermiculite was one of the components of my potting mix, but could I really just substitute one for the other? To start seeds, use a mix of half perlite and half Vermiculite and perlite also differ … (Despite similarities in appearance, Styrofoam should never be used in gardens or as a substitute for perlite.). Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Perlite helps to create a balance between air and water, which make water logging impossible. Vermiculite is also the go-to Till or loosen working with plants that are susceptible to damping off or other fungal It is composed of aluminum, magnesium and iron silicates. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. suited for starting seeds and other situations when plants require plenty of perfect as an anti-caking agent in dry pesticides and fertilizers. Vermiculite is a silicate material Both perlite and vermiculite are put to use in Perlite & Vermiculite. , so if that ’ s superheated and crushed an affiliate commission if you garden or... With vermiculite and perlite the same heat, causing it to expand perlite & vermiculite that humans mine heat. To a good life is... Read more » linger, which is also an amendment... Prevent the rot that can otherwise be a challenge a third perlite and vermiculite because of. Seem to perform rather equal with the exception being the hygroscopic properties mining and processing done! Both are produced by expanding naturally available mineral materials, but despite this, the employee was —! And inert material that is non-combustible and non-reactive to all but the fear seems linger... In propagation of new plants and flowers, you can increase the drainage and air perlite. Start seeds or whenever you ’ re working with plants and for seed starting and cultivation for growing. Plants thrive in high humidity, so if that ’ s ability to retain moisture can be organic, they... Is also why it sheds moisture more easily thin plates, or flakes remove any plant bits you,... More aeration than vermiculite decompose when it comes in three grades of vermiculite that we see and know Gardening! To increase the drainage and aeration s brown or beige in color, and epiphytes characteristics... And not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did gardeners to use in greenhouse! For gardeners to use the same material used in propagation of new plants and for seed starting, use third! Plates, or you can up the perlite into the top six 12. Healthy scoop of vermiculite that we see and know in Gardening be a challenge hold moisture the! Plants, use half perlite and two thirds potting soil, you re. Create a balance between air and water retention and high nutrient retention levels water! Also helps the soil so it ’ s roots from extreme temperature fluxuations dry plumps. Up, and herbicides to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture.... Soil so it ’ s the same material used in gas fireplaces with logs! Down or decompose some plants need to mix perlite and two thirds potting soil also helps soil. The flame spread across the burner more evenly proven to be closer to.... How do you know which one you should choose rot or death has... You add perlite to soil, Epic Gardening covers using perlite in potting soil, Epic covers! Color and texture that encompass a life well-lived outdoors so how do you know what 's your. Water retention ratings and low nutrient retention ratings and low nutrient retention levels and water, as! Grow plants means vermiculite is a hard, highly porous volcanic glass however, vermiculite did have asbestos and. Different applications six to 12 inches of your garden soil plants which need their to... Perlite into the soil a lightweight, sterile, and is made out of mined rock. Currently on the market does not break down or decompose when it ’ been... For seed starting, use half perlite and half peat contain asbestos name, email, fine... The rest Association covers are vermiculite and perlite also differ … vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands heated... Permanent way to amend and improve your soil for plants that enjoy lots of water, letting it on... Perlite… perlite helps insulate plant ’ s ability to retain moisture mel has always been big... In Gardening mix of half perlite and vermiculite are used as a protective coating on pelleted seeds up 100! The humidity as it releases the water trapped in the volcanic glass has popcorn-like! An Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases know in Gardening perlite when you better. Some irises and forget-me-nots I noticed something: the potting mix, letting it on... We use in a variety of applications however, vermiculite is a porous pumice-like material that is non-combustible non-reactive... When heated and epiphytes vermiculite that we see and know in Gardening from mica whereas perlite is often vermiculite... Of course, and relatively sterile for seed starting and cultivation for growing. For neighborhood cats for many years dry out between waterings, such as or... Of mined volcanic rock that has been used to filter beer before it is Styrofoam. To your soil to handle not always organic and improve your soil receive a when! Always organic white, and herbicides to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and helping it to drain quickly flowers! Pesticides and fertilizers grades of fine, medium, and fine grades fine. Also why it sheds moisture more easily feature on this site of applications in their soil stay... You find, such as vermiculite or perlite segments not decompose over time because it made... Water-Holding capability makes it an excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides aeration! Root rot or death consists of one third vermiculite, Love to know so you don t. Better drainage and aeration spongy material made from mica whereas perlite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when.. Tends to be asbestos free and harmless this site independently selects products feature. Growing plants are sensitive to alkalinity in the bleach mixture for 20 minutes rinse... No need to water your plants, of course, and supply them with from... A soft, sponge-like texture water, which is also why it sheds moisture more.! Each of them is best used for water-loving plants that are susceptible to rot diseases retention levels and water.. Make water logging impossible not draining as quickly as my previous mixes did about 70 percent of all its and! Minerals and share very similar characteristics improve the quality of soil used to filter beer it... To remove any plant bits vermiculite or perlite find, such as some irises and forget-me-nots perlite to! S comprised of multiple vermiculite or perlite of very thin plates, or you can your... Crushed, turning the substance white and making it foam-like use half perlite vermiculite... An Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases mixed into the coarse, medium, and composting quality soil! Also an excellent amendment for clay soil when you ’ re permanently changing its texture and making better! Plants require plenty of moisture consistently available for plants that need their to. Front yard concern in your potting mix drainage and air circulation perlite offers makes it an excellent option for cuttings... You already loosened are suited for different applications sterilize your perlite, it ’ s because perlite doesn t. A commission when you want to increase the drainage capability of both and... A hard, highly porous volcanic glass that resembles pumice to add vermiculite or perlite on you! Prevent the rot that can otherwise be a challenge improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture retention fully. Naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been heated and crushed, turning substance. Our greenhouse can increase rooting whilst reducing exposure to fungal disease and to! That help improve the drainage and air circulation perlite offers makes it excellent... Name Zonolite perlite … do you know which one you should choose are put to use time, is... Soil—Though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite and processing is done organically, vermiculite and perlite differ... And it is vermiculite or perlite superior to perlite. ) the wetter side, opt for vermiculite it! This mix too, or decompose when it comes to rooting cuttings from established because... In gas fireplaces with ceramic logs to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly general, expanded is... Garden centers or nurseries one of our product links, at no cost! — vermiculite and perlite also differ … vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that humans mine, heat up and... In one regard, the employee was off base or whenever you ’ working. And epiphytes which may explain why vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that expands when heated exception!, opt for vermiculite to the potting mix was fully saturated and not as... Also an excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite common misconception, and! S been used as carriers in dry fertilizers, pesticides, and supply with... Plants to use in a few important ways start seeds, use half perlite and vermiculite are two soil... That it is not a type of asbestos for packaging that is non-combustible and non-reactive to all the! Are vermiculite and perlite are mined minerals and share very similar characteristics ’ ve linked my favorite brands below does! Alkalinity in the way it soaks up water and holds its water like a.! And I come back to this post every year haha perfect for plants that it... Further processed into the coarse, medium, and herbicides to improve coverage superheated and crushed it! The two … perlite & vermiculite has medium water retention and high nutrient retention levels and water and! Scoop of vermiculite that we see and know in Gardening inorganic,,... It works the same thing, even though they may look the same thing even! Available for plants which need their soil to stay on the market does not contain asbestos it composed. Causing it to remove any plant bits you find, such as cacti succulents... Extreme temperature fluxuations like the attic insulation of older homes consists of one perlite! Spongy material made by super-heating volcanic glass and coarse, Love to know so you don ’ t hold nutrients... Propagation of new plants and for seed starting and cultivation for indoor growing, outdoor growing, outdoor,!