Vermiculite and perlite are common horticulture materials used to improve soil , pot mix or growing medium as a soil amendment . The name fathom like , and many the great unwashed may think they are essentially the same .
But they are not . Perlite and vermiculite are quite dissimilar in theme and also performance wise . There are some key differences you need to know before you choose the one that you really need . Perlite vs. vermiculite . what ’s the difference ?
Vermiculite and perlite are both holey rock , but they are quite different in composition as their uses :
Both , however , hold both water and air , but at different rates . Finally , there are also other nonaged deviation in pH and nutrients they carry .
If you want to become a real pro when it comes to vermiculite and perlite , you demand to Determine which is better for use in your garden depends on your plant life type and its requirement .
And this guide , we are going to learn everything about these two materials : how they originate , what they await like , how they are unlike , how and when to use them in horticulture ( indoors and outdoors ) , and which is better for what need !
Are Vermiculite And Perlite The Same, Or What Are The Differences?
Vermiculite and perlite are often note together , and they sound similar , but they are not the same . Both are used to improve the stain .
In special , both make the soil better drained and better aerated . But this is where the similarity end . Vermiculite have water substantially than perlite and conversely perlite halt air travel better than vermiculite . This is the key divergence between the two . You will use vermiculite to verify that the soil is well drained but still holds on to water . On the other helping hand , if you want perfect aeration and you want the dirt to dry up well , perlite is better option . For deterrent example , perlite is better for succulent plants and cacti , because they do n’t desire humidity in the dirt . Vermiculite alternatively is good withmoisture roll in the hay plant , like fern and many rain forest houseplant ( pothos , philodendronetc . ) . And you may utilise vermiculite if you ca n’t irrigate your plants as frequently as you should . There are also other minor differences , in appearance , in pH in cost for good example , but we will see them later on on .
A Bit Of Mineralogy: Where Vermiculite And Perlite Come From
Both vermiculite and perlite are , technically speaking , minerals . In plebeian term , we would define them more as “ rocks ” or “ stones ” , but mineral are a world of their own , and each mineral has its own line of descent , or formation process .
Where Vermiculite Comes From And How It Is Produced?
Vermiculite is a quartz that was first find out in Massachusetts in 1824 . It is foretell so from the Latin vermiculare , which means “ to breed worms ” . That ’s because when it ’s heat up it exfoliates in a way that looks as if it gave birth to worm . It is in reality originates from remains , which alter until it becomes a mineral sway . This sway , thanks to its composition can expand when heated . As it does this , it fills with pockets that can fill with air , weewee or , in hydroponic gardening , the nutritious solution . The vermiculite we use in gardening is not what you would feel in a quarry ; it is then deal , which means that it is heated and exfoliate in professional furnaces .
These are tube furnace , with a conveyor whang in it and which carries the vermiculite rocks . Here they are heat at 1,000oC ( or 1,832oF ) for a few minute of arc . The main producers of vermiculite nowadays are Brazil , China , South Africa and the USA . It is not just used in gardening , but in the building industry and for fireproofing as well .
Where Perlite Comes From And How It Is Produced?
Perlite instead comes from volcanoes . Its chief element is silicon . It take shape through heat and compressing of volcanic rock , when it heats into magma and change its internal structure .
Perlite is really a eccentric of volcanic glass . But this deoxyephedrine has a particular quality : when it forms , it entrap inside itself a lot of water . So , after they quarry it , it gets stir up at very gamey temperatures ( 850 to 900oC , which is 1,560 to 1,650oF ) .
This makes the water expand , and the perlite too expands a lot , becoming between 7 and 16 prison term as big as the natural rock .
But when this happens , it loses all the water system inside and this lead lots of empty spaces , gaps . This is why the perlite we grease one’s palms is porous . Perlite is very useful in many fields , and only 14 % of it is used for gardening and gardening . 53 % of all perlite in the humankind is used in the construction and construction business concern .
It is non renewable , so its price has been get up steadily . At the same prison term , citizenry have looked for reliever , like diatomite , shale , expanded clay or pumice stone .
Key Difference Between Perlite and Vermiculite
In terms of production , perlite is a bulge out stone , a bit like popcorn , while vermiculite is an expanded and exfoliated Oliver Stone .
This have in mind that it tumefy but at the same clock time it leave tatter of start up from the outer layer and moving towards the heart and soul of the mother rock and roll .
The Appearance Of Perlite And Vermiculite
Of course , what you call for to know to recognize them is what they actually look like . And here we are going to see them .
Perlite takes its name from the Latin perla , or , you guessed , “ off-white ” , in fact , it has that off clean color we identify these maritime gem with . It is moth-eaten , and while it is a rock , it has a sure “ softness ” in its smell . If you look at perlite at close cooking stove , it will look like a poriferous surface , or a surface with hollow and craters in it . Perlite pebble have a rounded appearance , with soft edges .
In its original pattern , vermiculite is almost black and shiny , with promiscuous colored vena across the Oliver Stone . Once it has been heat and kill , however , it shift appearance .
It is not white , but usually of soft pastel colors on the browned , xanthous dark-brown and khaki compass . It is not dusty like perlite , instead it kooks like rocks . If you look at vermiculite at close range , you will see that vermiculite is made up of may slight layer , this is just why it arrest on to body of water so well . It filters through those fissures and it is retained there .
Vermiculite pebble have a “ squared ” appearance ; they are not rounded , minute they look a bit overstrung and with straight line . On the whole , they may remind you of small-scale fossilised accordions .
Not Just a Matter of Look
But perlite and vermiculite have similar but different uses in gardening , it is not just a matter of choosing a colouring or texture . Perlite and vermiculite are used to improve grease , pot soil or evengrowing mediums . One of their key functions is to break down laborious soil .
Very often , you see , soil can get “ clumpy ” especially if it is Methedrine or clay based . This is not in force for the roots of plants , so , we add things like crushed rock , Baroness Dudevant , coconut coir or one of our protagonists , perlite or vermiculite to crack it down . But perlite and vermiculite are not just like gravel . Gravel does not have the water and air retention qualities of perlite and vermiculite , nor other minor qualities we are going to see … Next , then , the bighearted divergence : water !
How Well They Hold Water In The Soil
Both perlite and vermiculite appreciation on to water , which is unlike from gumption or gravel . They act more like little “ reservoirs ” of water which they release tardily . But there is a very important difference .
Perlite holds on to some water , but only on the outside . Because of the little crannies and volcanic crater on its Earth’s surface , some piddle gets catch there . So , perlite hold on to little water , but it chiefly reserve it to slide off . This signify that perlite is very good for drain , but it is not excellent for water retention . For this reason , perlite is very good for ironical hump plant , like succulents . It improves the soil , make it well drain , but it does not hold on to much moisture . As you know , cactuses and succulents do n’t wish humidity .
Vermiculite has a different structure , as we enounce . It work a bit like a parasite , suck water inside . In fact , if you advert it after you have watered it , you will feel it is spongy and part semisoft . It also expands when you add water to it . It becomes 3 to 4 time its size of it . Then vermiculite spill the water it take in very slowly . For this reason , vermiculite is better if you want to improve the irrigation , irroration and , in worldwide , watering and humidity of the soil . When it make out to hydroponics , vermiculite is very useful indeed , because it optimise the release of nutrients to your flora , making it slow up , steady and prolonged through time . Because it retains moisture so well , vermiculite is used to disseminate plants by seed or through cuttings .
Young plant are very susceptible to even venial drops in humidity and grease moisture . So , vermiculite is one of your good friends here .
How They Hold On To Air In The Soil
spill of perlite and vermiculite , do know what go on if the roots of plants do n’t have enough air ? They literally suffocate ! Yes , because antecedent need to respire , literally , and if they do n’t , they come out rotting away . So , the conflict between perlite and vermiculite become crucial .
Perlite is first-class to aerate the grime . On the one hand , truthful , it does not take on to water and liquid state too well . On the other hand , all the pores inside the pebbles get fill with air ! This means that each perlite pebble is like a “ lung ” a “ breathing economic aid ” or an air scoop . And it does hold on to lots of air ! In fact , 88.3 % of perlite is pores … That means that most of the pebble will become an air pocket . In this regard , perlite is absolutely the best material you’re able to get to let your plants ’ roots breathe . This micturate perlite ideal to lighten up grave grunge and improve drainage . For succulent plant , plants that do not wish soggy grease , plants that are at gamey risk of infection of root rot , perlite is just excellent .
On the other hand , vermiculite does not hold on to publicise as well as perlite . When it is wet , it swells , but when the urine dry out up , its shrinks back . So all the volume it had to hold on to water merely disappears . It does supply some contour of aeration , mainly so far as it break-dance down the soil and allow for air to flow through . What is more , vermiculite , because it nurse on to weewee for long , is not ideal ( especially in large quantities ) for dry be intimate plants .
Perlite And Vermiculite Have Different Ph
Now you have see the main differences between perlite and vermiculite , permit ’s depend at nonaged ones , like pH. I tell you that this article would be very thorough indeed !
Perlite has a pH between 7.0 and 7.5 . As you make out , 7.0 is neutral , and 7.5 is very slightly alkaline . This means that you may employ perlite to correct acidulent soil . It is not a potent corrector like limestone , but it can do the put-on for little correction . If the stain is very alkaline ( over 8.0 ) , however , perlite can have a light-headed upshot in the other direction , of lowering the overall soil environment pH.Having said this , perlite does not interact much with the filth , from a chemical power point of aspect . This means that these consequence are loose , mechanical and not chemic .
Vermiculite has a wide-eyed pH range , from 6.0 to 9.5 . It really look on the mine it con from . If you are in incertitude , do select a eccentric of vermiculite with impersonal pH. The pH will be on the description , it is a really important “ detail” . However , this gives vermiculite another advantage . Vermiculite can be a very in force pH corrector . commit the huge range of pH it has and the fact that , unlike perlite , vermiculite interacts with the soil more actively . This leads us to the next point though …
Perlite And Vermiculite With Plant Nutrients
Perlite and vermiculite also have another difference when it add up to the nutrients they have and release . This can make a big difference in your option . But first of all , a expert concept : CEC , orCation Exchange Capacity . What is it ? A cation is the chemical form in which nutrients dissolve into water . They break up into electrically charged smaller part , call cation .
The capability of a textile to commute cations means that how much it can feed plant life … and guess what ?
Perlite does have some nutrients in its pebble , but it does not give them to the grease or the plants .
Perlite has no CEC . You see , as we say , perlite does not interact with the soil or potting mixing you put it with .
On the other deal , vermiculite will release nutrients to the soil and to your plants . In fact , vermiculite has very high CEC .
It actually has a CEC , so the capability to “ feed plants ” which is gamy than sphagnum peat and not too much lower than that topnotch feeder we all get laid and love : humus!What does it have in mind ? It mean that it has nutrients , especially calcium , magnesium and potassium which it will give to your plants . in effect , is n’t it ? Not of necessity . If a plant draw too much of a nutrient , it becomes sick of , this is a condition call nutrient toxicity . In plant like hemp , for example nimiety of potassium will turn over the folio rusty brown .
This is specially authoritative inhydroponic gardening , where the amount of nutrients you give you ’re your plants want to be just good , and vermiculite may interpose with this .
How To Use Perlite And Vermiculite
Once you have take between perlite and vermiculite the one that is proficient for you and your plants , you may require to know a few basics on how to use them , right?To pop out with mix perlite and / or vermiculite into the soil , pot mix or growing medium . There are gardeners who swear you’re able to use vermiculite on its own for seedling , but this is not screen , so , avoid it . How much should you mix in ? As much as you need , of line , but as a world-wide pattern do n’t exceed 50 % perlite or vermiculite in your soil , potting mix or produce medium . The rest can be compost , peat ( reserve ) or just soil etc . But keep in mind that these are soil add-on , they are not soil!In the ground and in pots , if it rains a lot , you may observe that perlite tends to come back onto the surface … That hap especially if the ground is stark . Where there are roots , these will tend to hold the perlite in property . But if you have this problem , just dig it back in as shortly as you have the opportunity . Also think of that both perlite and vermiculite come in unlike size . normally these are small , intermediate and gravid . Choose the one that nest suits the consistence you want your dirt , potting mixing or growing medium to have .
If you want a thin and free texture , choose little , if you want a more dumpy one , opt large . Also adapt to the size of it of the pots and containers if you wish . Still , if you really want to break down Lucius DuBignon Clay or deoxyephedrine , choose little size perlite . It is better at break down these types of soil because urine gain them “ constellate up ” , and the smaller the pebbles you contribute , the more they make the overall texture fine and loose .
The Price Of Perlite And Vermiculite
How much do vermiculite and perlite monetary value ? On the whole vermiculite is flash than perlite . First of all though , buy them in liters , not weight ! The weightiness will commute with humidity . Do not trust any marketer that says , “ I ’ll give you a hundred grams for … ”
Always buy dry vermiculite , it must be seal off in airtight containers . think that it tumesce with humidity !
Finally , at the time of writing , 10 liters of vermiculite should cost you less than $ 10 , even half that . Perlite can well go above that .
And now you do it everything about perlite and vermiculite ! Or are there any other questions ? I see that there are …
Perlite vs. Vermiculite Frequently Asked Questions And Answer
Of course there are lot of questions on such proficient materials like perlite and vermiculite … Here they are , with full answers of course .
beneficial question . You do n’t need to fatigue gloves or anything . But with perlite , it ’s better if you spray it with water before you handle it .
Why ? Well simply it is dusty , and that dust can end up in your mouth and nose . It ’s not dangerous but it is actually quite annoying and even irritating . Alternatively , wear a mask .
Yes , they do in different ways . Aeration of course is essential to healthy works , but talking about vermiculite , it also seems to attract beneficial bugs ! Yes , they make love the wet in the grunge it retains , so it actually improves the ecosystem .
They are rocks , so they will last forever and a day . It is as simple as that !
Of of course you could , though it may not be stinting to do so . Especially for little gardens though , you could . Vermiculite is more used outside than perlite is though .
splendid question , specially if you are think tank farming . Let ’s start with vermiculite . It ’s a strange floor . It is lightsome than water , but it does not float . No , it ’s not against physics … It fills with water supply , remember , so , as soon as it touches it , it get backbreaking and sinks . Perlite on the other bridge player floats . This means that if you want to use it in hydroponics it can be a piddling problem . People like to obstruct it into coconut coir , or similar materials which can trap it and keep it under water .
Yes , of form you’re able to utilize both vermiculite and perlite together ! And many aquicultural gardener like this mixture . Adding vermiculite to perlite to increase water retention while keep perfect aeration seems like a perfect solution .
call back ? We said that both perlite and vermiculite are also used in other sector , like building and expression .
If you go online and you look for perlite or vermiculite to grease one’s palms , you will find huge quantity at low prices as well as smaller quantities at in high spirits damage . Why?The swelled bags are for builders ! They mix them in with concrete etc …
But there is a Brobdingnagian problem ; these are not sportsmanlike , often there are many other materials mixed in .
And in many cases , these fabric are not “ inert ” , so they can harm your industrial plant . Actually , there have been cases of cheap construction perlite and vermiculite that was mixed with asbestos!So , do n’t go cheesy ; opt horticultural perlite and horticultural vermiculite , for your garden ’s sake and even your health .
write By
Amber Noyes was born and raised in a suburban California town , San Mateo . She holds a master ’s grade in gardening from the University of California as well as a B in Biology from the University of San Francisco . With experience wreak on an organic farm , water conservation enquiry , farmers ’ grocery store , and works nursery , she understands what makes plant thrive and how we can comfortably empathize the connection between microclimate and plant health . When she ’s not on the land , Amber loves informing masses of new idea / things related to gardening , especially organic gardening , houseplants , and growing plants in a small space .
