After several weeks, roots should start to form. Once roots are well developed, the cutting can be taken out and potted up in compost. Mix perlite into seed and cuttings compost at a ratio of to create a moist environment perfect for delicate seedling roots. A fine layer of perlite is also excellent for covering seed that needs light to germinate because the perlite lets light through whilst still keeping the seed moist and aiding germination.
Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that is also heated to very high temperatures to make it expand. Sold as bags of brown-gold flakes at the garden centre, it can absorb up to four times its weight in water. Vermiculite is better for water and nutrient retention than perlite and is best used for plants that need more moisture to grow. Vermiculite also protects seedlings against damping-off and other fungal diseases.
While it does also help retain some water, perlite is primarily used to aerate compost. It excellent for creating a free-draining potting compost for plants that need good drainage, such as cacti and succulents.
It can also help create an airy compost for seedlings. You can use vermiculite and perlite together — mixing a little perlite into a seed sowing mix will ensure plenty of oxygen gets to the roots, while a topping of vermiculite will lock the moisture in.
Benefits Prevents compaction Improves aeration and drainage better than vermiculite Stimulates root initiation and vigorous growth Holds moisture but does not become soggy Almost neutral pH Does not decompose Free from disease, weeds and insects Insulates and minimises temperature fluctuations Inorganic, inert and sterile No known toxicity or fire hazard. Seed Germination Perlite speeds up germination and improves seedling growth.
For seeds, sow on a well-watered mixture of equal parts perlite and Sphagnum Moss Peat. Alternatively, add 1 part perlite to 2 parts ready-mixed potting compost. For use pure, keep wet at all times by capillary irrigation or intermittent mist. After sowing, sprinkle seeds with a thin layer of fine peat and cover with glass or plastic to retain moisture until germination, then feed Potting Mixes Perlite is used in potting compost mixes to improves aeration, draining and insulation.
Perlite can be used to open up the structure of ready-mixed loam or peat-based composts. For loam-based compost mixtures, use equal parts sterilised loam, peat and perlite plus limestone and nutrients. Alternatively, a mix may be used. Mix thoroughly, then water well after planting and feed as appropriate.
Rooting and Cuttings Perlite speeds uprooting, reduces the risk of damping off, provides an optimum balance of air and water, and makes water logging almost impossible.
Continue Shopping. Checkout ». Shopping Cart 0 items in cart. Garden Fertilizers Alive! Email Oops, there seems to be an error, please re-enter your email address. Liquid Kelp Concentrate. Fluorine toxicity can be caused by many things, including fluoridated water, superphosphate fertilizers, low soil pH, and other environmental conditions that have little to do with potting medium that simply has perlite in it.
The most convenient source of perlite is your local independent garden center or big-box plant nursery. When buying perlite, make sure you are buying percent perlite and not a soil or soilless blend.
Sometimes you can use vermiculite in a pinch especially as a seed starting medium , but keep in mind it retains more moisture than perlite does. When it comes down to it, perlite is still the best choice for a soil amendment when you want moderate water retention, excellent aeration and drainage, and long-term benefits. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book.
Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is Read more ». Thank you for the info! Now I can get that big bag of perlite out of the way in my garage. What makes perlite hard? I had some turn hard on top of a plant I recently put outside on my porch I share with other neighbors. It was freshly planted so I had not watered much yet.
There seemed to be much more perlite on top than I remembered and little or no soil mixed in with it. I did make the mix strong on perlite as I was attempting to propagate a Zebra plant my 1st time. Thanks for all your lovely advice! Like sometimes you see them covered in it.
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