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Is vermiculite or perlite better?
Vermiculite helps hold moisture in the soil so it’s consistently available for plants to use. If you’re looking for a soil additive to help make sure plants get plenty of drainage and aeration, perlite is a better option.
Can I substitute vermiculite with perlite?
Perlite and vermiculite are both used to improve moisture retention and aeration in soil. They are used in a similar manner, but they are not interchangeable.
Do you need to mix perlite with vermiculite?
There’s really no need to mix perlite and vermiculite because each of them is best suited for different situations. Use perlite to root cuttings or grow cacti, succulents, epiphytes, and other plants that benefit from quickly draining soil with plenty of aeration. Perlite can also offer a humidity boost to plants that need it.
Which is better for succulents perlite or vermiculite?
Perlite helps drainage, so good for plants that need sharp drainage. Vermiculite keeps the water, so is not as good for succulents etc. I used to use Vermiculite on top of sown seeds but I now follow Carol Klein and use grit most of the time, which I find generally works fine and is a lot cheaper in my experience.
Is it safe to use perlite in Garden?
Hopefully you can relax a little, and use either perlite or vermiculite in your garden and not worry whether it’s safe or not. Not only are they safe, they can be extremely helpful in keeping your plants healthy and productive.
Which is better for compost grit or vermiculite?
Vermiculite – in some people’s view it holds a bit too much water, but is often used to sprinkle on top of seeds as a way of keeping moisture in but is light in weight and allows light to penetrate. Perlite – This seems to be more popular than vermiculite for adding to compost. A lot of people use it, but in my experience it can get a bit wet.