Perlite for plants or vermiculite - the names of these substances are probably familiar to you, since they are often included in the list of ingredients of various earth mixtures, substrates. If you do not know what it is, then in this article I will talk about the properties of perlite and vermiculite, as well as how these materials are used by gardeners, gardeners, and flower growers.
Vermiculite, perlite, photo:
Until recently, these components were not widely known to gardeners, gardeners. Today they are freely sold, as well as widely used by crop production. They contain ready-made soil mixtures mixed with each other in different proportions. For rooting shoots, as well as for storing tubers, bulbs, pure compositions of one or another material are used.
Vermiculitis - what is it, what is it for?
This is a plate material of golden brown or silver color, in fact it is hydromica. The name itself comes from the Latin word vermiculus, which means “worm”. If vermiculite is subjected to heating, then its plates will become thread-like granules, something similar to “worms”. The porous structure of this material acts like a sponge, absorbs, retains moisture, the volumes of which exceed its own weight by 4 times. Due to this quality, vermiculite is simply an indispensable additive to earth mixtures, it maintains soil moisture for a long time (closer to the roots), all its beneficial substances.
Vermiculitis - what is it? It is a chemically inert mineral that does not contain toxic substances, heavy metals. This material is environmentally friendly, does not decompose, does not rot, neutral to acids, alkalis. It contains valuable components that favorably affect the growth and development of green crops - calcium, magnesium, silicon, potassium, aluminum, iron. The components of vermiculite are partially absorbed by the plant as needed, but as the main fertilizer it will not work (chemically inert). The material improves soil aeration, can change its pH level (alkali), maintains soil moisture, which increases the time between irrigation.
Vermiculite for plants - how to apply? When growing plants, agroermiculite is most often used, processed in a special way (burning), intended specifically for floriculture and gardening.
On the Internet, I discovered a video clip in which the author shares her experience in growing potatoes using vermiculite:
Agrovermiculitis, photo:
In addition to retaining moisture, vermiculite is able to delay the components of fertilizing, fertilizers, which also contains prepared soil. It is mixed with peat, sphagnum, a variety of earth mixtures, substrates. Pure, undiluted material is widely used for rooting shoots, seeds are also very convenient to germinate in this way. Another big plus of this supplement is the lack of a favorable environment for fungi or mold.
Vermiculite for plants can also be used as drainage, while taking its larger fraction (KVV-8, KVV-4). It is added to the soil in any proportions, so it becomes more friable, does not cake, does not form a crust on top. If you plant seedlings in the garden, then in the depths of each hole you can first make half a glass-glass of vermiculite. When planting young trees, feel free to add 2 or 3 liters of this substance to the planting hole.
What is vermiculite? It is a neutral acid material that can lower the pH of the soil mixture. Great for storing tubers or flower bulbs - they do not decay, do not mold, do not undergo temperature extremes. It has the ability to extract from the soil, bind mineral compounds, and then gradually release them, give them to the plant. When adding vermiculite to soil mixtures, be sure to consider the characteristics of the flower.
For example, for cacti or certain types of succulents, this additive is not suitable, since they do not want high humidity. As a baking powder, drought-resistant green residents are best suited for perlite.
Perlite - what is it?
This is a volcanic rock formed by hydration. Obsidian hydroxide - this is perlite, initially it can have a different shade (brown, black or even green). After special processing, the material becomes white, porous, it is crushed, used as an additive to soil mixtures. Perlite promotes an even distribution of moisture in the soil, is an ideal component for the hydroponic method of growing plants, and loosens the soil well.
Perlite - what is it? This sterile substance without impurities resembles sand in its properties (the main component is silicon dioxide). With its help, you can root cuttings, grow seedlings, use it as an additive to various substrates. It improves soil aeration, optimizes its drainage, as well as water-holding qualities.
Perlite is very dusty, so when working with it, you must always wear a protective mask.
When inhaled, microparticles of glass dust enter the body, but subsequently not displayed from it - remember this.
Agro perlite, photo:
Like vermiculite, this material improves the soil structure, retains moisture, and prevents the formation of a crust on the upper soil layer. The addition of perlite can increase the aeration of heavy soil, as well as increase the water-holding qualities of light soils. It reduces the acidity level of the soil, slows down its salinization, and prevents waterlogging during prolonged rains.
If suddenly you went too far with fertilizers, then perlite absorbs them, and then gradually gives them to the soil.
After three or four years, perlite granules are destroyed, digging, loosening only contribute to this.
Perlite for plants - how to apply? Its presence in the soil is simply indispensable for flowers with a weak root system, like sand, perlite loosens the earth, makes it light. It is also necessary for strong plants with powerful roots, because stagnation of moisture can lead to their decay.
Pure material can be used to root shoots, germinate seedlings, but mixing with sphagnum or peat also gives excellent results. Summarizing all of the above, we can safely say that these two additives are combined with each other, perfectly complement each other's qualities, have the same effect on soil and plants.
Arugula in perlite, photo:
Scope of application of both additives:
- They can be used as drainage (coarse fraction).
- They are used to cover the topsoil - they prevent the occurrence of mold and crust.
- Pour onions, tubers of flowers, deepen them for comfortable storage - this is reliable thermal insulation, protection against decay.
- Wet vermiculite or perlite is an ideal substance for seed germination, root formation in cut shoots.
- A mixture of both materials (equal proportions) is used in hydroponics.
- The pH level is neutral for both additives - this should be taken into account when preparing soil mixtures for plants with certain soil requirements.
The combination of these two materials creates the optimal environment for the development and growth of your plants, both in pure form and in earth mixtures.
Vermiculite - shoots of gladioli, photo:
Vermiculite - cucumber seedlings, photo:
Perlite and vermiculite - what is the difference?
Despite the ease and flowability, these two materials differ in appearance: perlite is white, dusty, vermiculite is dark in color. There are no nutrients in perlite, and vermiculite contains aluminum, calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon, potassium (in bound form).
Vermiculite, unlike perlite, can absorb beneficial compounds from the soil, and then gradually release them. It is also very water-resistant compared to perlite.
Perlite is an excellent conductor of moisture, but a poor retainer, and vermiculite, on the contrary, delays it very effectively. Vermiculite has an elastic structure, and perlite is destroyed, it becomes dust with active physical action.
Perlite or vermiculite - which is better for plants? This question cannot be answered unequivocally, it cannot be said which material is better, since everything depends on the plant itself and its needs. For example, for some flowers (the same indoor violets or gloxinia), sometimes wick watering is used. In this case, perlite is ideally suited, which dilutes the substrate in the pot - it contributes to an even distribution of moisture across the soil, and the soil dries faster. Vermiculite, on the contrary, will be more appropriate with the usual method of irrigation - the soil will remain moist longer because of its moisture-accumulating properties.
It is impossible to determine what is better perlite or vermiculite, since this or that additive is equally suitable for each type of plant. These two materials are equally good, have similar qualities, but still slightly differ in "technical" characteristics.
They perfectly complement each other, improve the soil. In order to obtain an optimal soil mixture, gardeners take 15% of each material, mix them, while the total rate of additives (relative to the rest of the soil mixture) should be 30%. A mixture of peat, perlite and vermiculite is most often used for growing indoor plants. Vermiculite is suitable for gentle, moody representatives with a vulnerable root system, perlite is more suitable for powerful plants, cacti or succulents.
New opportunities for growing plants constantly appear on the market - care products, all kinds of additives. Today, almost any product can be purchased. If you are not familiar with these materials, pay attention to them. Vermiculite or perlite for plants will save your time in caring for them, save you from many problems (fungi, mold), improve the composition of the soil, and help keep planting material in good condition.
Reviews of gardeners and florists on the use of perlite and vermiculite
The first meeting with agroperlite occurred many years ago. Such a huge impression on me was the cultivation of plants in soil with perlite. Seedlings have never been so beautiful, strong, without a single sprout elongated or decaying at the root, the soil was well loosened and retained moisture for a long time. I also liked perlite indoor flowers.
Andryusha
http://spasibovsem.ru/responses/agroperlit-dlya-rastenij-i-rassady-moj-opyt-primeneniya-foto-zharenogo-perl.html
My friend once tried to root something in perlite - I really liked it. Now the only way rooted cuttings.
Belo4ka
http://forum-flower.ru/showthread.php?s=513c3b1eacacb67f2877822808b2da85&t=982&page=2
I use perlite instead of coarse sand. It makes the soil loose, airy. Helps the soil dry out faster. Much better than sand!
Hloya
http://forum-flower.ru/showthread.php?s=513c3b1eacacb67f2877822808b2da85&t=982&page=2
In order not to breathe harmful dust from perlite, I immediately add a little water inside the bag. Perlite moist does not dust! I advise everyone.
Lusia
http://fialochka.rx22.ru/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=392&start=30
For those who use perlite, I can advise you on how to rinse it: before you start rinsing perlite (if this happens in the bathroom), turn on for 3-5 minutes with hot water (or very warm). The created moisture will “beat” the glass perlite dust during the opening of the bag by you, and will allow the perlite to be washed without damage to health. But try not to poke your nose inside the bag! Pearlite dust is the smallest specks of glass that (when inhaled) settle in your nasopharynx and lungs (if you inhaled a lot and sharply). It also irritates the eyes. The actions of perlite (or agroperlite - the essence is one) are equivalent in effect to mineral wool (only the skin will not itch). After all, it would never occur to anyone to embrace mineral wool and breathe around her without a “muzzle”. I am a builder by training, so I know very well that not so safe this perlite (therefore, I try to rarely use it, replacing it with similar, but safer baking powder).
Cassandra
http://fialochka.rx22.ru/viewtopic.php?f=57&t=392&start=30
I have been using vermiculite for a very long time, I add it at the dacha to the pots where petunias grow so that they do not dry out, because I come only on weekends. Recently, when planting, I began to add new plants, roses, hydrangeas, so that they take root better, so that the soil retains water. I have peaty soil, so this supplement is relevant to me - I like it: again - mineral top dressing.
VeraSPb
http://www.rosebook.ru/topics/polette/vermikulit-sadovyj-otzyvy-i-mnenija