Perlite plays a crucial role in horticulture due to its unique physical properties that promote healthy plant growth. This lightweight, porous material is highly valued for improving soil aeration, drainage, and moisture retention—factors essential for successful cultivation. From seed starting mixes to advanced hydroponic systems, perlite enhances growing conditions across various applications. Its sterile nature and ability to prevent soil compaction make it indispensable for both professional growers and home gardeners, supporting strong root development and overall plant health.
Perlite’s adaptability in soil and plants’ moisture requirements make it a permanent and valuable resource to gardeners and growers. Most plants (annuals, trees, shrubs) desire soil with a moisture-holding capacity of 21–40%. Whereas most vegetable plants (cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, etc.) prefer higher moisture levels in the range of 40–80%. Since perlite is manufactured in different particle sizes and screening processes, it is adaptable to suit the needs of the soil environment, the plant’s needs, and the grower’s preference. A coarser particle (+12 mesh/+1.6 mm) will provide more aeration and less water holding capacity, while a finer particle (-12 mesh/-1.6mm) will provide more moisture retention and less aeration. In dense clay soils, perlite can aid in separating the water-bound clay particles, allowing water to penetrate and make water-bound nutrients available to the plants. Whereas in sandy soils, perlite’s porous structure allows for more moisture retention to help conserve water, nutrients, as well as control runoff.
When propagating plants from cuttings, using 100% perlite or perlite in your soil mix will ensure healthy plant development by providing optimal conditions for rooting.
APPLICATIONS FOR PERLITE IN HORTICULTURE
- Seed Starting Mixes
- Potting Mixes
- Hydroponics
- Container Gardening
- Rooting Cuttings
To download a .pdf of the Everything You Need to Know About Perlite for Horticulture brochure, click here.
If you have technical questions on this topic, please email the technical contacts listed on our contact page.
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