- Perlite is a volcanic rock that increases circulation and moisture retention in the soil.
- Different grades of coresnaess Perlite are available, and each of them has different use and benefits.
- There are many uses and benefits of the perlite, including a base for hydroponic gardening.
If you buy seed-strawing mix or potting soil, you can see small, white particles. This pearl is a volcanic rock; It is usually added to potting mixes to improve aeration, drainage and water retention.
Learn more about the perlit, when to add it to the soil, and how it is used in hydroponics.
What is the pearl?
Mining is a naturally occurred volcanic rock in many countries including Perlite Western United States, China, Greece and Japan. This melted volcanic lava is slowly cooled and contains silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide and other minerals. Once the Perlite is brought out of the ground, it is taken to the processing plants where it is crushed into small pieces.
The form you find Potting soil Or bought by bags in garden centers is superhit up to 1600 ° F, causing water molecules in the perlite to expand and pop into small light brown or white kernels.
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Pelot
The perforation is sold for industrial, construction and horticulture use. When purchasing the perlite for gardening, it is important to select the correct form and grade. The most common grades used in horticulture are coarse, medium and fine. The selection depends on the type of plants that you are growing and the soil you are using.
- rough: The best suitable for large potted plants, trees and shrubs, add coarse-grade perlite to the soil for plants, which are prone to rotting the root when overwater.
- medium: Medium-grade perlights are often used in commercial potting soil. It is a good addition to the mounting houseplant and soils used for container-developed flowers and vegetables.
- Good: Fine-grade perlite is incorporated into the mixture of seed starting as small particles will not disrupt the germination of seeds or growth of fine roots. It is also a good option to transplant because it helps prevent damage to the delicate roots of young plants.
Why should you use a perlite while doing gardening
If you want to use garden soil for houseplant or there is heavy soil soil in the garden, adding the perlite helps to improve drainage. The layer is sterile, light, and does not change the pH of soil. It can be reused as long as the soil is free from diseases or insects.
If you enjoy or want Start hydroponic gardeningPerlite can be used as a growing medium. It is mild, inorganic, disease-resistant, and supplies iron, sodium, calcium and other supporting trace elements for water supply.
How to use a perlite in horticulture
Perlite has many advantages in gardening. Here are some ways, it can be used to help your plants.
Improve soil drainage
Adding to the soil to the soil helps prevent soil from disrupting water drainage. Proper drainage root root rot and fungi helps prevent soil diseases. Perlite can be mixed directly into fresh tild gardens soil or added to potting of soil.
Moisture retention
Popped perlit kernels have small pockets that can trap water and help the soil to maintain moisture, while still flowing well. Note that this is a balance act to add the correct amount of cubic foot per clay to achieve the optimal growing medium for individual plants.
Air circulation improvement
Oxygen is required to grow the roots of the plant. The size and structure of the perlit makes pockets in the soil that improves air circulation and prevents condensation.
Make diy potting mix
In a large container, add a gallon of the sterilized garden soil sold in garden centers. Add a gallon moist Spagonam peat moss And a gallon paylight. Mix well to make a loose mixture to fill the containers. Store in a cover container.
Diy Soilless Seed Starting Mix
In a large container, add two gallons peat moss And two gallons fine-grade perlite. Store in a cover container and moist the mixture well before adding the seed starting flat or pot.
Hydroponic garden
The perlite provides insulation against temperature ups and downs in the hydroponic system. A range of perlit is its neutral pH, which means that it can not catch and hold nutrients efficiently as other growing mediums.
What are the differences between the layer and vermiculite?
While both Perlite and Vermiculite help improve the drainage in the soil, They perform differently For moisture retention. The perlite places some water in its cracks, while the vermiculite absorbs water like a sponge. If you are looking for a product that will help maintain high soil moisture levels, choose a vermiculite to add to your growing medium.
Perlite use disadvantages
With any product, there may be issues when using the perlite. The layer is very light and if it is not well combined, it can swim at the top of the soil mixture. Dust from the perlight, especially fine-grade particles, is considered nuisance dust and security should be taken if you have respiratory issues. Always moist the porlite before mixing with other potting soil content.
Fasting
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There are no specific plants that require a perlite, but adding the paralit to the potting or adding to the soil of the garden will help improve drainage and prevent root rot.
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Perlite and Spagonum Moss, although they are similar in their functions, provide different benefits. Most soil mixtures will benefit from the presence of both.