It is important for gardeners to know how perlite differs from vermiculite

Properly selected fertilizers will help ensure the safe growth of indoor plants and seedlings. Having previously learned how perlite differs from vermiculite, it will be easier not to be mistaken with a choice while in a flower shop. If earlier these two breeds were actively used only in construction work, now the substances are also used in gardening.

Substances are used for germinating cuttings, preparing earthen mixtures and storing flower bulbs. Visually, perlite has a lighter shade than vermiculite; when poured, a tuber of dust can form from it. Before using fertilizers, it is important to understand all the intricacies of how perlites differ from vermiculites in order to accelerate the growth of seedlings or indoor plants.

These two substances of volcanic origin are light free-flowing minerals. Vermiculite is based on mineral additives necessary for safe plant growth. According to the chemical formula and composition, perlite is similar to sand, so this substance is often used to prepare the soil instead of a sand mixture.

Features of vermiculite

Before deciding on a specific fertilizer for a flower, it is important to understand what is the difference between perlite and vermiculite. The latter is based on a sufficient amount of potassium, magnesium, silicon and other elements. Although fertilizer and is not able to enrich the plant with all useful macronutrients, but it binds together the particles of mineral components contained in the soil. Upon completion of the fertilization of the soil with top dressing, vermiculite binds the beneficial substances together, and then gradually releases them. After a certain period of time, the plant absorbs minerals.

The result of using vermiculite:

1. When vermiculite is added to the earth, its acidity decreases. If it is important to maintain an acidic environment, then when preparing the substrate, a couple of drops of citric acid are poured into the pot to replenish the balance.
2. Vermiculite has the ability to store liquid.
3. The substance is non-toxic and environmentally friendly to the soil. Alkali and acids do not affect its composition. Thanks to this feature, vermiculite is used quite actively in floriculture and agriculture.
4. After using it, insects and rodents do not start in the soil.

When perlite is applied

This substance provides air permeability and porosity of the soil. Perlite and vermiculite for plants are used for various purposes. Flowers with a weak root system are fertilized with perlite, since a light soil mixture is important for their growth. Perlite acts as a loosening component; it is often used as drainage.

Violet is the flower most often found in residential buildings. Those of amateur flower growers who still have no idea that perlite or vermiculite is better for violets should take into account the beneficial properties of both substances. When preparing the substrate, vermiculite and perlite are added to the soil in a ratio of 1: 1.5.

Perlite is actively used to prevent the appearance of a crust on the ground

The disadvantage of perlite is that it is not able to accumulate and bind chemical elements, as vermiculite does. If soil with high acidity is needed for plant growth, then it is perlite that is actively used as a fertilizer.This rock provides a slightly alkaline reaction, therefore, ensures efficient plant growth. When growing azalea and gardenias, it is important to add perlite to the substrate.

It will be possible to provide high-quality care for plants with different root systems by understanding in more detail what perlite and vermiculite are for. It is important to add the first substance to the soil with a weak root system, if the flower has strong roots, then it must be used to a minimum.

What is the difference between perlite and vermiculite

In the process of growing seedlings and indoor plants, it is important to understand the main differences between these two minerals. Vermiculite is an excellent accumulator of moisture, but perlite liquid gives off quite quickly when watering. Vermiculite has a rich mineral composition, while perlite is in fact ordinary silicon.

After carefully studying the list below, it will be easier to understand how vermiculite differs from perlite:

• when filling the substance into the soil, voids are not formed in it;
• vermiculite does not cake in the soil and has less hygroscopicity;
• the mineral does not damage the roots of the plant;
• the substance has less ion-exchange capacity;
• used most often for rooting cuttings.

Perlite has other advantages in comparison with vermiculite:

• the mineral dries faster after watering the soil;
• effectively loosens the soil;
• the substance gives up water to the plant faster;
• has excellent thermal insulation properties (it does not heat up in hot weather, it cools slowly at low temperatures);
• used for germinating seeds, rooting cuttings (with vegetative propagation).

It will be productive to cope not only with plant breeding, but also with repair work, having learned what is better in construction perlite or vermiculite. With the help of perlite, it will turn out to reduce the fire hazard of the room, improve heat and sound insulation.

Vermiculite is actively used for germinating seedlings, as well as winter storage bulbous plants... Most often, perlite is used in the preparation of soil together with peat and sphagnum. In the process of preparing soil for a flower, it is recommended to add not only perlite baking powder, but also mix vermiculite into the substrate. These two substances are mixed in equal amounts and combined with the soil. This allows you to achieve the most positive effect when growing plants.