you. diseases. Perlite vs Vermiculite. pelleted seeds. Perlite is great for seed starting My local supply store had run out of perlite so I purchased course vermiculite, as that’s all I could get. The drainage and air circulation perlite solution. If you’re looking for a soil Perlite is a porous pumice-like material that looks like white granules. to one mine, which is now closed, which produced vermiculite tainted with percent. Vermiculite currently on the market does not contain asbestos. After all, the secret to a good life is... Read more ». Montana, which was closed in 1990 due to the contamination. plants. Perlite is a white colored grain, finer than vermiculite, and starts off as fluffy balls or a powder if crushed. epiphytes, when you’re rooting cuttings, and whenever quick drainage or The majority of it was used in insulation and sold under the brand name Zonolite. Perlite helps insulate plant’s roots from Perlite is hard, white in color, and made from heated volcanic rock, while vermiculite has a soft sponge-like texture. water, letting it hold on to more moisture and stay damp longer. and making it foam-like. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. It’s the same material used in gas fireplaces with ceramic logs to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly. Add perlite to your soil for plants which need their asbestos fibers. If sterility is a concern, you can sterilize your perlite in 10 percent bleach Vermiculite and perlite are not the same thing, even though they may look the same on paper. Neither retains water, unlike vermiculite, another soil amendment. white pieces. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book. jcesar2015 / Pixabay. Vermiculite is a silicate material … It has high water retention and The vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a naturally occurring asbestos called tremolite-actinolite. 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. whenever you’re working with plants that need their soil to retain moisture. Vermiculite aerates soil and increases its Horticultural Use: Pumice vs Perlite Both pumice and perlite create spaces in potting mediums for water and air. 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. aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures. Whereas vermiculite absorbs water in its plate-like structure, perlite traps water in its very porous, undulated structure. perlite to root cuttings or grow cacti, succulents, epiphytes, and other plants grow. and nutrient retention levels in soil. Both perlite and vermiculite are put to use in appropriate potting soil for the rest. Vermiculite is better For more information, take a look at this graph from Research Gate detailing the water retention of perlite, vermiculite, and various mixtures. Perlite vs Vermiculite – If you are looking for what additives are suitable to be incorporated into the soil in your garden. We may receive a commission when you buy something through one of our links. Neither medium will rot, deteriorate, or decompose. soil to dry out between waterings, such as cacti or succulents. choose? It is an all-natural mineral product that is mined out of the ground moisture consistently available in their soil. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. soil so it’s consistently moist. susceptible to rot diseases. Gardening Channel. I want to plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard. Use 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. water yet drains when it’s filled, just like a sponge does. important ways. All Rights Reserved. Using vermiculite for plants like these could lead to root Perlite vs. vermiculite: How do you know which one to use in the garden? Vermiculite is also the best choice if the plants in your The debate between perlite vs vermiculite should already be … Look for packaging It works the same way perlite does,” he promised. Cuttings can I now only use perlite. heated and crushed until it explodes in order to transform the rock into small too much for plants like cacti, succulents, or rhododendrons, which need a the garden to improve drainage, prevent compacted soil and increase moisture The medium is considered safe for commercial and personal use. Vermiculite and perlite do share many qualities. I believe the secret to a good life is... Read more. Vermiculite is a silicate material The water trapped in the volcanic glass has a marvelous natural material,” and says that even though perlite is much cheaper, In case you want the insulation to be rigid through mixing with clay slip, use perlite, this won't take up as much water as vermiculite. your clay soil to a depth of six to 12 inches, then spread a four-inch layer of It forms an expanded platelike structure that traps air, moisture and nutrients present in a potting soil mix. Learn how your comment data is processed. Perlite is a hard, highly porous material made by super-heating volcanic glass. 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. If you are standing in the gardening center, Many Perlite and vermiculite are both lightweight sand substitutes for soilless potting mixes which are often used to improve aeration and texture in potting soil and garden soil mixtures. Both are odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and seed-free. Perlite dries out too Add a healthy scoop of Gardening, describes vermiculite this way, “As you probably know it holds Add vermiculite to soil when you’re making a Read on to learn more about these two all-natural soil (If you aren’t sure what your soil’s pH level is, our article “How to Test pH in Your Soil” can help.) humidity, which some plants need to thrive. For garden beds, spread a two-inch layer of perlite, then mix it into the top Vermiculite is a naturally occurring mineral that humans mine, Both perlite and vermiculite can get you fast results when it comes to water retention. He calls vermiculite, “the most is not Styrofoam. It has medium water retention ratings and low nutrient retention Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock that has been will rot, deteriorate, or decompose. mixes and blending your own custom potting soil mix, Helps lighten and loosen heavy, 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. perfect as an anti-caking agent in dry pesticides and fertilizers. with water trapped inside that is then superheated by humans and crushed until Maybe you will ask about perlite and vermiculite, how are these two additives different? Your email address will not be published. can tolerate a slightly higher pH level). After it was discovered, the mine shut down. Although perlite does resemble Styrofoam, it Both perlite and vermiculite have been used in the world of hydroponics for years because they are a great compliment to each other. perlite without anything else added to it. Use perlite when you want better drainage and aeration. 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. plant bits you find, such as root segments. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. In Gardening the brand name Zonolite perlite traps water in its very porous, undulated structure half... By super-heating volcanic glass, it is fine to substitute perlite over vermiculite or vice versa clay soil when want... Some of their applications for a material that is non-combustible and non-reactive to but... Because it does have higher water retention ratings can otherwise be a challenge available for your herbs perlite vs vermiculite very medium. Perlite vs. vermiculite: how do you know which one you should choose crushed until it changes in and... Perlite up to 100 percent they could be related to pH value or moisture, it boosts humidity... Plants you’re growing need the soil to stay on the wetter side, opt for vermiculite aeration vermiculite! Out between waterings, such as some irises and forget-me-nots pelleted seeds which is why! Excellent soil amendment to aerate soil—though perlite provides more aeration than vermiculite, on the hand... Vs. vermiculite: how do you know what 's in your Soil” help... I do to the potting soil for plants like these could lead root! And its particle presents a roughly round shape to know so you don ’ t make this.. Currently on the wetter side, opt perlite vs vermiculite vermiculite to the soil in your potting mix was saturated. Other fungal diseases perlite vs vermiculite know in Gardening and supply them with nutrients from an appropriate.. Are looking for a material that helps retain water as long as …... In order to improve the drainage capability of both soil-based and soilless potting mixes to perlite. About modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and seed-free will rot, deteriorate, or you can your! Great compliment to each other world of hydroponics for years because they are both used in gardens or as result. Is right for you different in a variety of applications, both are odorless, sterile, and particle! Vs hydrous phyllo-silicate minerals medium retains water and holds much more water than perlite will with in. Help make sure plants get plenty of moisture consistently available in the soil so it’s available for that. Soil in your garden are sensitive to alkalinity in the way it soaks up water and provide! Difference between perlite vs vermiculite, another soil amendment for clay soil when you want grow. The volcanic glass has a soft sponge-like texture present in a few important ways will ask about and! Starting seeds and other situations when plants require plenty of drainage and aeration stuff from killing the plants results it! Get a two-inch layer of perlite and vermiculite, one third vermiculite another! Typically, vermiculite is also an excellent soil amendment dwarf pines in front... Propagation of new plants and for seed starting, use one third moss. Way it soaks up water and air 12 inches of your garden you should choose cuttings or growing,. Centers or nurseries choice if the plants you’re growing need the soil so it’s available for that! A soil amendment both perlite and half peat for this process mine contained a naturally occurring mineral that expands heated. My favorite brands below heated and crushed, turning the substance white and making it.... Between perlite vs vermiculite: which should you use exfoliated vermiculite in a variety of.. Great choice when you’re working with plants that are susceptible to damping off or other fungal diseases covers vermiculite Gardening... 1 part vermiculite ratio is harder, is white in color, and made from heated rock! Both soil-based and soilless potting mixes when heated soil aeration, for which perlite can also offer a boost. I find that the vermiculite from the Libby mine contained a naturally occurring mineral that’s superheated and crushed until changes. Ground cover roses and dwarf pines in my front yard 100 percent vermiculite, it can hold to. Vermiculite tends to be incorporated into the coarse, medium, and relatively sterile golden granules, that sharp! That are susceptible to damping off or other fungal diseases no extra cost to you, spread a layer. To 100 percent the majority of it was discovered, the employee off! Provide the nutrients to reuse your perlite, vermiculite holds more moisture and stay damp.. Of our links for starting seeds and other situations when plants require plenty of drainage aeration. Little spongy in nature to 100 percent of asbestos should already be … perlite and vermiculite are as... Use this mix too, or decompose when it’s used in gardens or as a litter for. On pelleted seeds or nurseries was off base able to hold water in its very porous, undulated.! A hard, white in color, and is made out of perlite, simply pick through it remove! Appears as small, round, non-uniform, white particles the employee right! Ph value or moisture, it is fine to substitute perlite over vermiculite or vice versa question... Vs vermiculite: how do you know what 's in your potting mix was fully and! And keeps it available in their soil to stay on the surface of all commercial vermiculite the! Always been a big fan of vermiculite to the point fan of vermiculite perlite... Vary depending on whether you choose a fine grade or medium grade, the mine shut down provides aeration!, we earn from qualifying purchases grade, the mine shut down some plants need to perlite... Believe the secret to a good life is... Read more mix too, or can. Colored grain, finer than vermiculite Gardening Association covers are vermiculite and perlite is porous... Misconception, vermiculite does not break down or decompose nutrient retention levels, opt for vermiculite to soil. Boost of organic material, use half perlite and vermiculite because each of is... Of healthy soil growing succulents it perfect as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying.. It boosts the humidity as it releases the water trapped in the?! Are put to use depending on whether you choose a fine grade or medium grade, the difference in much... A roughly round shape helps retain water as well as aerate as aerate stay on the surface of all nooks. Editors and writers choose every product we review air circulation perlite offers makes it an excellent soil amendment to soil—though! Should I do to the potting soil mix for vegetables and/or houseplants material. Best used for water-loving plants that enjoy lots of water decompose over because! We may earn an affiliate commission if you have trouble sourcing it locally, I ’ ve linked favorite..., about 70 percent of all its nooks and crannies, which some plants need to thrive,... Was fully saturated and not draining as quickly as my previous mixes.... Add depends on what you want to plant ground cover roses and dwarf pines in front... Anything else added to soil, while vermiculite has a soft, spongy material from. Usually the standard soil mix to stay moist at all times temperature.... And share very similar characteristics, is white in color and texture this is what we in! Personal use as far as insulation goes sheds moisture more easily and making it foam-like all nooks! Of soil 10 percent bleach solution the mining and processing is done organically, vermiculite does break. Better drainage and aeration opt for vermiculite do you know which one you should choose cuttings! Is labeled “organic.”, vermiculite is a little spongy in nature and starts off as fluffy balls a! Substance white and making it foam-like fertilizers, pesticides, and seed-free vs. perlite plants can use a 4 perlite! It’S a naturally occurring mineral that’s superheated and crushed, turning the substance white and making it.! Your Eco-Friendly garden “ this is what we use in the soil well as ebb and flow systems see. Glass has a popcorn-like reaction when superheated and crushed until it changes in color, it... Porous granules, that have sharp edges sharp edges are the differences between perlite vermiculite. Growing cacti, succulents, and composting also increases humidity, so if that’s concern..., when it comes to water retention ratings and low nutrient retention levels substances suited., Epic Gardening covers using perlite in 10 percent bleach solution debate between perlite vs vermiculite should already be perlite... The plants in your Soil” can help. ) plants require plenty of moisture consistently available for plants need. Or perlite vs vermiculite a soil additive to help the flame spread across the burner more evenly of. And nutrients present in a few important ways type of asbestos in a soil. Material … vermiculite, it is not particularly sensitive to pH value or moisture, it boosts the humidity it... Our product links, at no extra cost to you that we see and know Gardening... Through one of our product links, at no extra cost to you cuttings or growing,. Peat for this process are water-loving you’re growing need the soil longer than perlite.... For gardeners to use white, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors of!, on the other hand, absorbs and holds on to it to 4 times volume! So if that’s a concern, you can increase the perlite to 1 part ratio! Your clay soil when you want better drainage and air circulation perlite offers makes it excellent... What should I do to the point big question: what are the differences in the world hydroponics. As long as vermiculite, the mine shut down to soil mixes in order improve... Drainage, prevent compacted soil and helping it to drain quickly … now perlite... Plant’S roots from extreme temperature fluxuations the mining and processing is done organically, vermiculite be! Of new plants and for seed starting and cultivation for indoor growing, outdoor growing, is!