Instead of buying Perlite OR Vermiculite, I now buy pine bark (mulch or nuggets). Adding plenty of those to a mix (like 2-10 parts bark per 1 part of peaty mix) makes it much more airy and MUCH cheaper. $4.20 for 2 cubic feet is something like 28 cents per gallon. Cheap bark "mulch" is often FILTHY, lots of soil/dirt, wood and …

Properties of perlite and vermiculite Water Holding Capacity. The water holding capacity of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite are approximately 76%, 38% and 71% (v/v%). Mixtures of peat moss and either perlite or vermiculite result in a water holding capacity between these limits.These numbers are approximate and are affected …

Should You Choose Perlite Or Vermiculite? Both perlite and vermiculite can improve drainage in a growing medium or soil and both can improve aeration. However, there are differences between …

The other 10% or so is organic material, usually in the form of decomposed matter like leaves, feces, and other plant debris. Conversely, soilless potting mixes are primarily composed of organic matter with a few inorganic components, namely perlite or vermiculite. As you can see, a soilless potting mix will be quite different from the soil ...

Another option is composted pine bark fines. This material provides excellent drainage while retaining moisture well enough for plant growth. ... What can I use instead of vermiculite or perlite? Alternative: You can use Biochar as a perfect alternative to vermiculite or perlite, along with other common potting soil ingredients like Peat …

Vermiculite possesses porous characteristics but champions water retention, contrary to Perlite, acting like a sponge, holding and releasing water into the …

Be sure to use the horticulture vermiculite though. New Zealand pine bark. Also known as Enzogenol, it is a natural extract found in New Zealand pine trees. ... Nutrients you need will include peat moss, perlite/vermiculite, coconut coir, and pumice. All of these combined make the perfect potting mix that's great for aeration and drainage.

To make an ideal citrus potting mix, mix 5 parts conifer bark fines, 1 part perlite, 1 part peat moss, coir, or aged compost, ... Ingredients that improve drainage include pine or other conifer bark, perlite, vermiculite, and coarse sand. Drainage is improved by introducing larger pieces of material into the mix. Think of a pot filled with ...

Add one gallon of moist, coarse sphagnum peat moss, followed by one gallon of coarse sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Adjust the texture of the medium to create a loose, well-drained mixture. Sand feels gritty and clay feels sticky. If the potting soil feels too sandy, more peat moss should be added.

Vermiculite is a silicate material that's brown or beige in color and has a soft, sponge-like texture. Perlite is harder, is white in color, and is made out of mined volcanic rock. 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.

Like vermiculite, perlite is mined and then subjected to extreme heat and pressure until it expands (rather like popcorn). After this treatment, it becomes a gardening product valued as a soil amendment. But its appearance is distinct from that of vermiculite: Perlite is white and chunky. Even its … See more

35% pine bark; 20% perlite; 10% coco coir or peat moss; Or something like this soilless mix would be great: View on Amazon. ... Homemade houseplant potting soil incorporates a balanced mix of perlite, vermiculite, and coarse sand, with a heavier addition of coco coir or peat moss. Houseplant soil mixes can use any type of nutrient …

Here's when to use perlite vs vermiculite. Use perlite if: You live in a region with a humid climate. Perlite helps avoid water-logged growing media. You're looking to loosen clay soil. Your plants need a dry growing medium. Use vermiculite if: You're repotting outdoor plants.

Perlite is a lightweight sand substitute that is often used in potting mixes to improve aeration and texture. It is odorless, sterile, disease-free, insect-free, and seed-free, making it a great alternative to vermiculite. Perlite is also affordable and readily available at most garden centers and nurseries.

Fine Perlite – Grade 1 – 2: approximately 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch size and best for seedlings or cuttings. Medium Perlite – Grade 3: approximately 1/2 inch size and the standard type for regular potting mixes. Coarse Perlite – Grade 4: approximately 1 inch size and mainly for dense soil in outdoor gardening.

Because it makes soil less dense, perlite reduces soil compaction, decreasing surface crusting and water pooling. Perlite conditions the soil and helps plant roots penetrate the soil more easily, …

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 …

2 parts coco coir. Instructions: In a clean container, combine the vermiculite, perlite, and coco coir in the specified proportions. Thoroughly mix the components until you achieve a uniform blend. Moisten the potting mix with water until it reaches a damp, crumbly consistency. Ensure it's not soaking wet.

Vermiculite is a mineral that is mined and then expanded into light, porous pieces. It is used in a variety of ways, but it is most commonly used as insulation or as a soil amendment. When used as an amendment, it helps to aerate the soil and retain moisture. It also improves drainage and makes it easier for roots to spread.

The soil-free ingredients that are fully non-organic in origin include perlite, vermiculite, diatomite, sand, mineral wool, and expanded clay. These materials are inorganic and do not derive from living organisms. On the other hand, bark and peat are organic in nature as they come from plants.

Coir retains water well, will improve air flow in soil, and helps make potting mixes lighter. It can be high in salts though, so it is best to rinse it out before using. It is also high in potassium, iron, manganese, zinc, and copper. It has a pH level that is nearly neutral, but only slightly basic at 5.2-6.7.

Add perlite into the hole to cushion the plant's roots and maintain moisture levels; this can prevent waterlogging and infection by fungal spores in the soil. After that, mix ⅓ perlite, ⅓ peat moss or compost, and ⅓ soil, and fill the hole with the mixture. 4. Use Perlite to Lighten the Soil.

Perlite. Vermiculite. Horticultural Charcoal. As a rule, potting mix for Monsteras needs one part humus-rich soil, like commercial all-purpose potting soil or compost, one part coarse organic matter, like peat moss, pine bark, or shredded bark, and one part either perlite or vermiculite.

5 gallons - Perlite (I prefer the coarser grade stuff without as much of the "dust" you find in the cheaper perlites) 5-10 gallons - Compost (we use 5 gallons of mushroom soil and 5 gallons of leaf mold compost per batch) ... Pine Bark Fines - $6. Peat Moss - $1.50. Perlite - $1.50. Compost - Free - $1. Granular Limestone - $0.50. Fertilizer ...

Clay soils have low permeability, so choose an amendment with high permeability, like composted wood chips, composted hardwood bark or perlite. Vermiculite is not a good choice for clay soils because of its high water retention. Siltlowhigh. Table 2: Permeability and water retention of various soil types. Soil Texture.

1 part perlite; 1 part vermiculite; Enriched Potting Mix Recipe. 4 parts sphagnum peat moss (or coco coir) 2 parts compost; 1 part perlite; 1 part vermiculite; Enriching your potting mix with compost will help your seedlings and transplants thrive after the cotyledons die off.

Bark products – ground and/or partially composted by-products of the timber industry. This is a less expensive alternative to peat moss. Bark products have better aeration properties but they dry out quicker than peat moss. Perlite – white, volcanic rock that was crushed and heated. The heating causes it to expand.

Most potting soil you buy in a garden center are comprised of three basic ingredients: peat moss, pine bark, and either perlite or vermiculite (to provide air space). Peat moss. Peat moss comes from the peat bogs of the northern United States and Canada; this is usually considered the higher quality type of peat moss. There are some peat bogs ...

Orchids are usually grown in a combination of perlite, vermiculite, sphagnum moss, and shredded bark. More soil ingredients may be necessary to keep your orchid healthy based on its specific variety. Many high-quality orchid growing mixes offer a variety of benefits, depending on the media included.

Unlike perlite, vermiculite makes a poor soil medium for succulents and cacti, or plants that don't like constantly wet roots. So if you're looking for a well-draining potting soil mix, vermiculite is not your …

Compared to perlite, vermiculite is the better choice if you are looking for a material that helps retain water as well as aerate. For aeration alone, stick with perlite. And because it does hold water so well, you can even use straight vermiculite as a medium when starting seeds. It's holds lots of water, and the light texture is ideal for ...

Ingredients of Growing Media. The most common material used in growing media are made of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, bark, soil and sand. Soil is a very complex and can vary from muck to sand ( Langhans, 1984). Even though soil has the advantage to be cheap, it remains very difficult to find soil of good quality.

Vermiculite has a pH between 7.0 and 7.5, making it more neutral and is better for most plants. Perlite added to clay soils will end surface crusting and wet spots. The insulation properties of perlite will maintain soil temperatures. Horticultural perlite has different grades depending on how you want to use it.