Perlite:
Lightweight: Perlite is lightweight, which helps improve soil aeration and drainage.
Insulation: It provides insulation to plant roots by preventing soil compaction.
pH Neutral: Perlite is pH neutral, making it suitable for a wide range of plants.
Sterile: It is sterile and free from pests and diseases.
Inorganic: Perlite does not decompose, ensuring its long-lasting effects in soil.
Easy to Handle: Perlite is easy to handle and mix with other growing media.
Both perlite and vermiculite are commonly used together in potting mixes to create a balanced growing medium that provides good aeration, drainage, and water retention. Their benefits make them valuable components in soil amendments for gardening and horticulture.
Vermiculite:
Water Retention: Vermiculite has excellent water retention properties, helping to keep soil consistently moist.
Nutrient Retention: It can hold onto nutrients, making them available to plants over time.
pH Neutral: Like perlite, vermiculite is pH neutral, making it versatile for various plants.
Sterile: Vermiculite is sterile and doesn’t contain weed seeds or pathogens.
Lightweight: While not as lightweight as perlite, vermiculite is still relatively light and helps improve soil structure.
Seed Germination: Vermiculite is often used for seed starting mixtures due to its fine texture and moisture-retaining abilities.
