![]() ![]() Vermiculite is better for water retention than perlite and is ideal for potting up plants that need moist compost. It can absorb up to four times its own weight in water and will also absorb some minerals that plants need, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. Horticultural vermiculite looks like small golden-brown flakes. Vermiculite is produced by heating a naturally occurring mineral (magnesium aluminium iron silicate) so that it expands. Because it is porous, perlite absorbs water and can be used to improve moisture retention in compost, but its primary use is to improve drainage. Perlite is often used in propagating cuttings, where free-draining compost is needed, or in sowing seeds. When mixed with compost, it traps air pockets in the compost, which improves drainage. It is sterile, lightweight and has a neutral pH, so it’s very easy to work with. Perlite is a white granular material that is made by heating volcanic glass until it expands and ‘pops’, like popcorn. So what are vermiculite and perlite, how do they work, and which should you choose? Here’s all you need to know. They can make compost drain better and also retain moisture, even though that sounds like a contradiction. These two handy substances are a boon to gardeners. Vermiculite and perlite are just two of the many valuable products you’ll find in our centre.If you’ve ever looked up how to sow seeds, take cuttings or even re-pot a house plant, you’ve probably come across references to vermiculite and perlite. Scattering a light covering of vermiculite on compost after sowing seeds helps keep moisture in and reduces the risk of ‘damping off’ when seedlings are attacked by a fungus that causes them to collapse. Here are a few examples:Ī 50/50 mix of compost and vermiculite is perfect for houseplants that need a lot of water, such as maidenhair fern.ģ0% medium-grade vermiculite added to compost makes a suitable medium for cuttings and potting on seedlings. Vermiculite is mainly used to improve moisture retention. NB: Perlite is very dusty, so dampen it with water before using it to avoid inhaling the dust. Once the roots are well developed, the cuttings can be potted on. After several weeks, roots will start to form. Part-fill, a plastic bag with moistened perlite, insert the cuttings and seal the bag. Softwood and semi-ripe cuttings will root well in perlite. Here are a few of the most common uses:Ī 1:4 mix of perlite and compost makes a free-draining potting medium ideal for succulents. Perlite is most often mixed with composts to improve drainage. NB: Don’t get horticultural vermiculite (sold in garden centres) mixed up with the vermiculite insulation granules sold in hardware stores – they are not interchangeable! How to use perlite It is sold as medium or fine grade – medium grade is better used in cuttings composts and fine grades in seed sowing. ![]() ![]() If you’ve ever looked up how to sow seeds, take cuttings or even re-pot a house plant, you’ve probably come across references to vermiculite and perlite. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |