If you have bought potted plants or vegetables, you may have seen little white balls in the soil resembling Styrofoam chunks.
Contrary to popular belief, these white spheres are neither fillers nor artificial pebbles but rather an essential soil component is known as perlite.
What is perlite
Perlite is a natural mineral added to garden soil to increase its aeration, water retention, and drainage properties. It is a frequent ingredient in potting soil and seed-starting mixtures and resembles tiny white Styrofoam balls.
The use of perlite in flower beds and vegetable gardens has increased drainage and aeration. You may find perlite in garden centres and online, selling it in bags of varying sizes. It can be used in organic farming as long as the National Organic Standards Board has approved it.
How is Perlite Soil Made
This material, known as perlite, is a form of volcanic glass that has been air-expanded to make it lightweight and porous. Volcanic ash and other substances are fused at high temperatures to create it. The resulting glass is porous and easy to transport.
What is Perlite made of?
Perlite is quite heavy and dense, just like other volcanic rocks. Typically, perlite has the following components:
75% to 80% silicon dioxide
Oxide of aluminium
Salt Oxide
Potassium nitrate
oxidized iron
Aluminium oxide
Oxide of calcium
3-5% Water
What is Perlite Used For?
Granted, most of us know perlite for its applications in gardening, but its lightweight nature and other favourable features provide it significant roles in other industries as well.
Gardening
When used in soilless mixes for gardening, perlite increases air circulation around plant roots and aids with drainage. It’s also used to fortify soil in gardening. Soil compaction is another issue that perlite assists in alleviating, particularly in clay soils.
Seeds, root cuttings, and established root systems in hydroponic gardening setups all benefit from this product. Epsom works well as an alternative to perlite and other similar products.
Construction
In the building trade, perlite is used to insulate loose-fill material in concrete hollow blocks and masonry walls.
Filteration
Perlite is being utilized in more and more filtration systems to remove particles from liquids. It is used to filter stormwater runoff from roads and highways and to filter beer before it is bottled to eliminate sediment.
Numerous Varieties of Perlite
After being heated and expanded, horticultural perlite is sorted into super coarse, coarse, medium, and fine grades, each corresponding to a particular particle size.
Super coarse perlite
It has a water-holding capacity of 19% and particle sizes between 14 and 3/32 inches. Its particle size makes it less desirable for gardening but produces the best porosity for drainage and aeration.
Coarse perlite
It has a water-holding capacity of 34% and has a size distribution from 3/16″ to 3/64″. This grade is suitable for various uses because of its optimal drainage and water retention combination. It is a fantastic medium for succulents and orchids, but it needs to mix better with garden soil.
Medium Perlite
Perlite in the medium grade ranges in size from 1/8 inch to 1/32 inch, making it a compromise between the coarse and fine grades. When used as a growing medium for potted plants and potted seedlings, it has a water retention capacity of 46%. It can be used on its own or as part of a potting mix.
The tiniest bits of perlite are found in fine grade, with a particle size of between 1/16 and 1/128 inches. It has a water retention rate of 52%, making it ideal for seed-starting and rooted cuttings.
Advantages of Using Perlite in a Garden
The advantages of using perlite soil include being light and easily moved, making it ideal for garden beds and pots. Provides better plant growth thanks to its porous structure and increased access to water and air. Its low water-holding capacity means it won’t keep the water the way some soil types will. Perlite soil doesn’t need to be fertilized regularly as other soil types because it contains fewer nutrients. Some key benefits of using perlite in a garden are:
- delays compacting
- Increases air and water circulation more than vermiculite
- Not poisonous or combustible, as far as we know.
- Nearly a pH of 7
- Defensible against pests, diseases, and weeds
- Promotes root formation and healthy development.
- Can absorb liquids without getting mushy
- not a decomposable
- Keeps the cold out and the heat in
Perlite Uses in a Garden
Perlite’s Role in Seedling emergence
Perlite promotes seedling development and hastens germination.
- Seeds should be sown on a well-watered mixture of perlite and sphagnum moss peat in equal amounts.
- Alternately, mix 2 parts of ready-mixed potting compost with 1 part perlite.
- Keep moist at all times by intermittent misting or capillary irrigation for pure use.
- After planting, cover seeds with glass or plastic, sprinkle them with a thin layer of fine peat to preserve moisture until germination and then feed them.
Perlite Use in Potting Composts
In potting compost mixtures, perlite enhances aeration, drainage, and insulation. The structure of ready-mixed loam or peat-based composts can be opened up with perlite.
- For soilless compost blends, mix 3 or 4 parts Sphagnum moss peat to 1 part perlite (80/20).
- Use sterilized loam, peat, and perlite in an identical ratio (1:1:1) along with limestone and nutrients for loam-based compost mixtures.
- An alternative is to use a 1:2:1 mixture. Mix well, then after planting, water well and feed as necessary.
Perlite’s Use in Cuttings and Rooting
Perlite facilitates uprooting, lowers the chance of damping off, offers the ideal amount of air and water, and almost eliminates water logging. Additionally, it reduces the effects of transplanting root damage and growth interruption.
Use a 50/50 mixture of perlite and sphagnum moss peat for soft stems and leaves cuttings. Increase the perlite-to-peat ratio to 4 parts perlite to 1 part peat (80/20) for tougher cuttings and delicate plants.
Perlite can be utilized entirely for mist irrigation when sterility is crucial. Water regularly, but watch for free drainage. Feed plants as soon as their roots start to grow.
Perlite’s Use for Conditioning the soil
Perlite enhances the texture of heavy silt or clay soils by enhancing aeration and drainage. Additionally, it lessens the propensity to “cap” the germination of seeds. These enhancements will be around for a long time.
- Use up to 25% perlite worked into the top 5–10 cm of challenging seedbeds and flower beds before sowing.
- Mix perlite with the soil before backfilling the planting hole for trees, shrubs, and roses to encourage root growth.
Perlite for Grass dressing
Perlite will help the air-moisture balance and ensure greater root development and turf growth since it enhances aeration and drainage. Perlite-treated golf course greens will be more resilient and tolerant of use in wet and dry harsh weather situations.
- Use the following for establishing new turf or compacted and poorly drained areas on old turf: Spread a thin layer (2–5 mm) of damp perlite that has already been fertilized with the appropriate fertilizer over the damaged region by spiking it with a hollow tine.
- Brush or rake evenly, then thoroughly water. Remember that a 100-litre bag of perlite typically covers 50 square meters with a 2mm layer.
Perlite Use in Hydroponics
Hydroponics use perlite, a lightweight, air-permeable, non-toxic, and environmentally beneficial substance. It can be utilized either alone or in conjunction with other media to give the plant a substrate that is rich in nutrients.
Round growth chambers, sheets, mounds, and plugs can all be made of perlite. Perlite is a perfect material for hydroponics systems when water needs to be retained because of its high-water retention capacity. Perlite is a great option for systems used in dry areas or locations without irrigation because of its characteristics.
Perlite Use in capillary watering and NFT
The inert, sterile, neutral, ultra-lightweight aggregate known as perlite has a very high ability to contain air and water.
- Perlite should be treated with any proprietary chemical sterilizer, steam, flame, or flame gun to sterilize it for reuse.
- Use perlite not sand or gravel at least 25mm (1 inch) deep in polythene-lined benches or appropriate trays for capillary watering.
- Use perlite in a trench or channel coated with polythene, then saturate it with nutrient solution to grow tomatoes in rings and at a low cost for commercial output.
Perlite vs Vermiculite?
A mineral that occurs naturally is called vermiculite. It can absorb up to four times its weight in water and is offered in bags of brown-gold flakes at the garden centre.
Vermiculite is preferable to perlite for plants that require more moisture to flourish since it retains water and nutrients better. Additionally, vermiculite shields seedlings from damping-off and other fungi diseases.
Perlite is mostly used to aerate the compost, though it does also assist in retaining some water. It works wonders to make a free-draining potting compost for plants like cactus and succulents that require adequate drainage. For seedlings, it might also aid in generating airy compost.
Vermiculite and perlite can be used in combination; adding some perlite to a seed-starting mixture will ensure that the roots receive enough oxygen, while adding vermiculite on top will keep the moisture in.
Perlite vs Sand
Because it is light, simple to dig, and has excellent drainage, perlite is the perfect substrate for growing plants. Additionally, it retains moisture efficiently and might lessen the risk of root rot. Perlite is only sometimes the best option for gardens, though. Volcanic glass makes perlite, which performs best in warm, humid environments. Since perlite can grow brittle in cold and dry climates, it might be better for certain places.
Another common soil type is sand. However, it is less portable than perlite and could be more challenging to transport around the garden.
Precaution
Be careful not to breathe in the dust from perlite because it is dusty. It should be wetted with water before use. If using an entire bag of perlite at once, add a few litres of water, close the bag, and shake it. Then, let the bag soak for 30 minutes before using it.
FAQs
Chemically speaking, organic substances are those that have carbon in them. Perlite is an inorganic mineral because it doesn’t contain carbon.
Yet the word takes on a distinct connotation when applied to agriculture, as in organic farming. As opposed to being heavily processed with chemicals, these items are derived directly from the soil.
The mineral perlite is extracted from mines and refined using physical methods. According to the National Organic Standards Board, it can be used in organic farming.
Perlite is a “organic” ingredient that is safe to use in organic farming and gardening.
Another mineral ingredient is diatomaceous earth, which is available as a fine powder. DE is the usual abbreviation for it.
DE is most frequently used in gardening for pest control. It can retain a lot of water as well. However, because it is a powder, it doesn’t aid in aeration.
In no way, shape, or form is DE a challenger against perlite. For the benefit of the soil, both additions can be applied jointly.
Most potting mixes contain 10% or less perlite, a lightweight volcanic glass. Because it’s simple to clean and doesn’t hold water, it’s a fantastic solution for places with moderate to high usage. A form of volcanic glass called pumice makes up about 90% of most potting mixtures. Due to its ability to store water and ease of cleaning, it is the greatest solution for regions with little traffic.
To maintain a loose, well-draining soil structure without running the danger of compaction over time, perlite is frequently included in potting soil and soilless mixes (especially for indoor seed starting).
Perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss (or coco coir) can be combined in equal amounts to create a simple, hygienic seed-starting mixture that promotes healthy seedling growth and lowers damping off disease.
Perlite can be used to grow plant cuttings. You can root your cutting in a tiny jar filled with moistened perlite rather than just water.
Plant the seeds in moistened perlite, or use moistened perlite-filled baggies to evaluate the germination of older seeds (as an alternative to the coffee filter method of starting seeds).
Since perlite does not degrade, a single application can keep the planting bed airy and loose for years.
Dust can become a problem with low-quality perlite and sometimes with cheap perlite that has inadequate quality control (especially as you get to the bottom of a bag).
Wear a dust mask and goggles when working with perlite if you’re sensitive to fine airborne particles.
Fluoride burn in houseplants, which manifests as brown leaf blotches or burnt leaf tips in vulnerable plants, including dracaena, spider plants, and Easter lilies, is said to be caused by perlite.
However, the likelihood of that occurring is extremely remote if you use perlite-containing commercial potting soil.
Fluoridated water, low soil pH, superphosphate fertilizers, and other environmental factors that have little to do with potting soil that contains perlite can all contribute to fluorine toxicity.
Perlite can be added to potting soil to assist in generating anaerobic conditions that encourage the formation of roots. This is so that they can’t get to the roots since perlite binds water and carbon dioxide. Perlite is also a strong drainage aid and can lessen the likelihood of soil compaction. Perlite can contribute to the development of a wholesome soil environment for plants when combined with other elements.
While utilizing perlite is generally safe for garden plants, there are a few considerations. Initially, confirm that the perlite you’re using hasn’t been treated. The toxic compounds in untreated perlite may hurt your plants. Make sure you are using high-quality perlite second. Lower-quality perlite won’t be as effective as higher-quality perlite and will harm your plants by causing root rot. Finally, before planting your plants, add enough water to the mixture so that the perlite doesn’t dry out and cause issues later.
Whether perlite is harmful is a subject of debate for some. There are conflicting claims, but consuming significant amounts of perlite could be moderately harmful. The fact that perlite is composed of tiny crystals that irritate the digestive system is probably what causes it to be hazardous. However, unless consumed in large quantities, perlite is typically considered safe for use in gardens.
To help drainage and aeration, perlite is a thin, extremely absorbent soil additive frequently applied in gardens. For indoor plants, it can also be used as a growth medium. Fill a container with enough perlite to completely cover the roots of your plants before using it as a growing medium for indoor plants. Until the perlite is soaked, continue adding water. Perlite needs time to absorb water, so leave it for several hours. Finally, distribute the plant roots over the perlite and water them thoroughly.
With just one application, your soil will stay light and loose for several years. Use up to 1/3 perlite per container for raised beds, container gardens, and potted plants. According to the species, potting soil for succulents and orchids can contain as much as 50% or more perlite.
Conclusion
Beginner gardeners overlook the significance of providing oxygen to the roots of developing plants and seedlings. A crucial fertilizer, perlite, can significantly enhance the growth of seeds, saplings, rooting, and adult plants. It can be used alone or with other additions as a growth medium.
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