Perlite V.S. Vermiculite: Everything You Need to Know

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 and Vermiculite 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.

What is Perlite?

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 our blog on Perlite.

Is Perlite durable?

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.

What is Vermiculite?

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 our blog on Vermiculite.

Is Vermiculite durable?

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.

Does Perlite contain Dust, and is it dangerous to inhale?

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.

Perlite vs. Vermiculite: How do you know which one to use in the garden?

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 vs Vermiculite: How do you know which one to use for your houseplants?

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.

Can you mix perlite and vermiculite?

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 our Calathea & Maranta mixes.

Can you use perlite on its own?

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.

Can you use Vermiculite on its own?

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.

Does Vermiculite contain asbestos?

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 safely buy Vermiculite and Perlite from Sybotanica.

Which plants do I use Vermiculite for?

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.

Which plants do I use Perlite for?

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!

Conclusion

Perlite and Vermiculite are both beneficial ingredients in soil and soil mixes suitable for different plants and situations. It is essential to understand the various properties of each so that you can make the right choice for your green friends. Add perlite for good drainage and add Vermiculite to retain water and nutrients. By mixing the two, you can create a perfect potting soil mix for plants like the Calathea & Maranta. Remember, to make sure the products are safe, choose brands that sell them for plants and buy Perlite & Vermiculite from Sybotanica.