Aug. 04, 2025
As plant lovers, we all want the best for our green friends. Using just compost is not enough; you need good soil that is tailored to the needs of your plants. Perlite andVermiculite are two common ingredients in quality soil mixes that can give you a hand. But what is the difference between these two, and when is the best time to use them? Read on for everything you need to know about perlite and Vermiculite.
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Perlite is a crystal-like mineral that expands when heated, making it light and porous. Its porosity makes it incredibly airy and light. Perlite is often used in potting mixes to create aeration and improve drainage. This allows the roots more access to oxygen, which can help promote plant growth. Perlite can be recognized by its white colour and granular structure. Read more about it in ourblog on Perlite.
Although perlite is a nonrenewable resource, less than 1% is extracted from the earth (source), and it does not break down, so it can be reused many times. At Sybotanica, we are actively setting up a recycling stream of soil mixes. However, we are still struggling due to problems transporting the soil to a processing plant.
It can also be transported in its non-puffed form. This allows for a tremendous amount of product (Perlite becomes 20x larger when processed) for relatively low fuel emissions. Therefore, it is more sustainable to use in your soil than other ingredients. However, it is important to realise that producing it releases a lot of heat, which has a negative impact on the environment. So, use only what you need for your plants and don't waste materials.
Vermiculite is a hydrated mineral, like perlite, used to create airy soil. It is extracted from mica flakes heated under high pressure and temperature, which expands the flakes and forms the light, fibrous material. Vermiculite is brown in color and feels like soft foam. It holds a relatively high amount of moisture and can, therefore, help keep the soil moist. Read more about it in ourblog on Vermiculite.
Like perlite, vermiculite is a nonrenewable resource. We have not been able to find figures on how much is left in the world. Producing vermiculite also releases heat, which negatively impacts the environment. However, Vermiculite can be reused and degrades slowly. We are actively working to find a suitable alternative to Vermiculite.
Perlite may contain dust released during soil processing. Inhaling this dust can cause respiratory irritation. At Sybotanica, we slightly moisten the perlite to minimise dust.
If you need extra drainage and air circulation, choose perlite. Perlite is lightweight and has numerous small holes that drain water quickly and efficiently, making it suitable for improving drainage in the garden. Vermiculite, on the other hand, is better if you are looking for water-retaining soil. It retains water and nutrients and provides a protective layer around plant roots, allowing them to grow better.
Perlite and Vermiculite are both suitable for use in soil mixes. However, when choosing the right ingredient, you should pay attention to the needs of your plants. Choose perlite if your plants grow in pots that need drainage and air, while Vermiculite is more suitable for plants that like moisture. This is because Vermiculite absorbs up to four times its own weight in water, while perlite only drains water.
Yes, you can. You could even say that mixing perlite and Vermiculite is a good way to create a potting soil mix that combines both benefits. Mix the two ingredients in some soil mixes to get a perfect blend as they complement each other. For plants like Calathea & Maranta, this mix is totally suitable. We also use it in ourCalathea & Maranta mixes.
Yes, you can. Perlite is a very versatile ingredient that you can use in several ways. You can use Perlite as a grow medium by placing it in a pot without a hole. A water reservoir is then placed at the bottom and the water is slowly released to the roots.
Vermiculite, like perlite, can be used on its own, which is recommended for germinating seeds. Since most seeds need extra moisture to germinate, Vermiculite is perfect for this task. This is because it holds water longer than other mediums and encourages the seed to germinate faster.
For more Light Calcium Carbonateinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Vermiculite is sometimes associated with asbestos because some commercial vermiculite products contain asbestos. However, the Vermiculite currently sold in shops is safe because it is made free of asbestos. Therefore, always choose commercial vermiculite products specified for plants to ensure that your plants are safe. You can safelybuy Vermiculite and Perlite from Sybotanica.
Vermiculite is suitable for plants sensitive to drought and is also perfect for vegetable gardens. It absorbs water and nutrients and retains them around the plant roots. Therefore, it is excellent for Calathea, Maranta, Alocasia, Colocasia, and Caladiums.
Perlite is ideal for plants that need quick drainage and are prone to overwatering. It is often used as an additive for plants such as cacti, succulents, and Agave or Aloe vera. However, perlite can be used for any plant!
Kevin, Hi!
I will suggest you go to the Home Depot and get a Mold Test Kit from Alpha Energy Laboratories. .
Is a simple instructions do it yourself test. You capture as many samples as possible and send it out (USPS) to the Laboratory in Texas. They will return a credible mold analysis report that will detail what type of Mold Spores are present in the samples.
This people are recognized nationwide and EPA Certified. You will get the results via in a PDf file.
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A mine near Libby, Montana, was the source of over 70 percent of all vermiculite sold in the United States from to . There was also a deposit of asbestos at that mine, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with asbestos. Vermiculite from Libby was used in the majority of vermiculite insulation in the United States and was often sold under the brand name Zonolite. If you have vermiculite insulation in your home, you should assume this material may be contaminated with asbestos and be aware of steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from exposure to asbestos.
From:
Im actually iac² mold certified. I went to look for any signs of mold for her and based on the decision sheet I felt like it would be a waste to test. (I found no visible signs of apparent microbial growth and didnt detect the odor for it either)
That was when I saw what I believed to be vermiculite. The landlord came and removed it.
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