The gardener's guide to vermiculite and perlite

2 Minute Read

These lightweight and versatile minerals are the unsung heroes in the gardener's toolkit, transforming ordinary soil into a dynamic and nurturing medium for plant growth. In this guide, we'll delve into the unique properties of vermiculite and perlite, discovering how they enhance aeration, water retention, and nutrient distribution in the soil.

Everything you need to know about vermiculite and perlite

You're likely already aware of soil additives and what they can do to transform your plants and garden. Today, we're taking a closer look at perlite and vermiculite to investigate how these minerals can benefit your garden.

Vermiculite and perlite are versatile horticultural additives that improve soil structure and enhance plant growth. Vermiculite's moisture-retention properties help prevent overwatering and promote healthy root development, while perlite's lightweight, porous structure aids in soil aeration and drainage, reducing the risk of root rot and compacted soils.

What is vermiculite and why do I need to use it?

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is great at absorbing liquids, is lightweight and provides the perfect environment for plants to grow when added to compost. Vermiculite is ideal for seed germination and is typically used in potting compost. Vermiculite helps to stimulate root growth, giving plants quicker anchorage and improved uptake of nutrients.

Benefits

High water holding capacity
Good air holding capacity
Non-abrasive and non-irritant
Attracts excess nutrients
Facilitates re-wetting
High cation-exchange capacity
Neutral alkalinity
Does not deteriorate in storage (if kept dry)
Free from disease, weeds and insects
Insulates and minimises soil temperature fluctuations Inorganic and sterile
No known toxicity or fire hazard

Shop all vermiculite

Choose your vermiculite based on the grade required, ranging from fine to horticultural grade.

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What is perlite and why is it important?

Perlite is the name for a naturally occurring siliceous rock. When heated, it has the capacity to expand from four to twenty times its original volume. This is due to the rapid expansion of water within perlite, which creates the extremely light perlite that we use for gardening.

The main function of perlite for the gardener is to aid water retention and aeration as well as improve compost mixtures.

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