Perlite vs. Vermiculite
Perlite or Vermiculite? How do you choose which one to use?
For Drainage and Aeration: Choose perlite
For Water Retention: Choose vermiculite
In this video, Laura from Garden Answer breaks down when to use which.
- Great for or Seed Starting or blending a custom potting mix
- Helps loosen heavy soils and prevents compaction
- White granular particles contain about 6% water
- Neutral pH
- Holds nutrients and 3-4 times it’s weight in water
- Clean, odorless, sterile and non-toxic
- Will not rot or mold
- Lightweight substitute for sand
- Can float to the top of potted plants due to its light weight
Vermiculite
- Great for or Seed Starting or blending a custom potting mix
- Helps loosen heavy soils and prevents compaction
- Retains moisture and plant nutrients
- Mixes well with soil
- Clean, sterile, odorless, non-toxic
