The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In fact, this eco-friendly option is increasing in popularity among the commercial and domestic gardening community. The eco-friendly status is because, unlike Perlite and Vermiculite there is no need for destructive mining operations to produce them. These are a waste product of rice farming and improve drainage and aeration and offer water retention properties. One of the best eco-friendly alternatives are rice hulls or husks. Vermiculite is easy to distinguish from Perlite as it is yellow or brown in colour. Similar to Perlite, this is a natural ingredient which offers similar benefits to the soil. The main alternative to using Perlite is Vermiculite. One point of note is Perlite has a tendency to float in well-watered pots, so consider watering from the bottom via a watering tray or watering globe. Soil is also naturally a good breeding ground for bacteria and fungi growth, most of which is essential for micro-organisms to thrive, which in turn aids nutrient absorption in the roots of the plant. This mix provides a good middle ground between drainage and soil water retention. Although specific applications will have their own mix ratio, for general potting a mix of 25-50% of Perlite to potting soil should suit most needs. However, for optimal growing conditions, a mixture of soil and Perlite is recommended. So, the benefits of Perlite sound too good to be true, so why don’t we grow plants in just Perlite? Well in fact many do, especially for starting seeds off. Importance of getting the right amount of Perlite. This prevents the essential biological processes from occurring in the soil, which can lead to major problems like disease, plant stunting and even death. Without the correct levels of aeration, oxygen, water and other nutrients will become locked out of the soil, and it begins to compact. The perlite helps to aerate your soil, which prevents the soil from becoming too compacted and improves drainage. Perlite has a very high water-holding capacity, which means that it will help keep the soil moist during dry periods. Perlite has been gaining popularity in the last few years because of its many benefits to the soil. What benefits does Perlite add to potting soil? Due to the heating process, Perlite becomes extremely porous, resulting in it being able to retain air and water effectively without hindering drainage. These crushed pieces are lightweight, long lasting and sterile. It is then cooled and crushed into small pieces. During the heating process the rock expands up to 10 times its original size “popping” in the process. Perlite is a type of volcanic rock that has been heated to remove any impurities, like water or gas bubbles. So, we know the little white balls are called Perlite and despite looking like polystyrene its actually a natural ingredient. However, if your potting mix is older than its shelf-life or not stored properly then white balls could be an indication of mould or eggs from pests. These white balls are perlite, a naturally occurring material that offers several benefits to plants. One of these ingredients are small white balls, often mistaken for polystyrene or plastic balls or beads. If you take some time to inspect the soil you will see that potting soil is actually a mix of different ingredients, usually a combination of sand, peat moss, and compost. It is often used in gardening and agriculture as a substitute for natural soil. Potting soil is a type of soil that is used to grow plants in pots.
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