Regular Perlite -2L

Name: Regular Perlite -2L
SKU: perlite2L
Availability: InStock

SKU: perlite2L | 0 Purchases | Availability: In stock

$ 6.99

805 in stock

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East: Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster
South: Richmond, Surrey, Delta.

Key Features

Brand VietCanPro

Style Potting Mix

Item weight 454 g

Item volume 2 Liters

Product Description
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Regular Perlite -2L

$ 6.99

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PRODUCT DETAILS

Perlite is a popular soil amendment that improves aeration, drainage, and moisture retention in potting mixes.

Improving potting mix, or propagating cuttings. Its lightweight, porous nature makes it excellent for improving soil structure, providing proper drainage, and maintaining moisture balance in various plant-growing applications.

Common Uses of Perlite

Soil Amendment: Perlite is often mixed into potting soils to improve aeration and drainage, preventing compacted soil and reducing the risk of root rot.
Ideal for Various Plants: It is commonly used for plants that require well-drained soil, such as succulents, cacti, and many houseplants.
Hydroponics: In hydroponic systems, perlite is used as a growing medium because of its water-retaining properties and ability to provide roots with plenty of oxygen.
Aerating Orchid Mixes: For orchids and epiphytic plants, perlite is often added to bark or sphagnum moss to enhance drainage and airflow around the roots.

Benefits of Using Perlite

Prevents Waterlogging	Perlite helps prevent soil compaction, allowing water to drain more effectively. This is especially beneficial for plants that are susceptible to root rot caused by excess moisture. With better drainage, perlite helps avoid stagnant water around plant roots, reducing the risk of overwatering and promoting a healthier growing environment.
Enhanced Aeration	The porous nature of perlite improves air circulation in the soil, ensuring roots receive enough oxygen for healthy growth. This is crucial for preventing root suffocation and promoting strong, vigorous roots.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle	Perlite is incredibly lightweight compared to many other soil amendments, making it easier to handle and transport, especially for container gardening.
Helps Retain Moisture	While perlite doesn’t retain water as much as other soil amendments like vermiculite, it does help retain some moisture while ensuring the soil does not become too soggy. It can help keep the soil consistently moist without becoming waterlogged. It helps keep the soil from drying out too quickly, especially in containers or areas with hot, dry conditions. It is a non-toxic, chemically inert material, making it safe for both plants and humans, it does not introduce harmful chemicals into the soil

PH Neutral	Perlite is pH neutral, so it won’t change the acidity or alkalinity of your soil. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of plants with different pH requirements.
Improved Rooting in Cuttings	Great for Propagation, Perlite is often used for rooting plant cuttings because it offers excellent drainage and aeration, creating an ideal environment for root formation. It’s often used in combination with other mediums like peat or vermiculite in propagation trays.
Versatile and Multipurpose	Perlite is commonly used in a range of gardening applications, from traditional soil mixes to hydroponic systems. It’s also useful in seed starting, potting mixes, and for improving heavy clay or compacted soils. Perlite can be mixed with materials like peat moss, vermiculite, and compost to create a balanced growing medium that meets the needs of various plants.
Sterile and Free of Pests	Perlite is sterile when produced, meaning it’s free from weeds, pathogens, and pests. This is especially beneficial for seed starting and for preventing diseases from spreading through the soil.

How to Use Perlite

Perlite with Potting Soil	A general guideline is to mix 20-30% perlite into your regular potting mix. This helps lighten the soil and provides the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. If you’re working with heavy or clayey soil, which tends to compact and drain poorly, add 30-50% perlite to improve drainage and loosen the soil.
Seed Starting	Perlite is often used in seed starting mixes due to its excellent aeration properties. Combine 50% perlite and 50% seed-starting mix or peat moss to create an ideal medium for germination. This mix is ideal because it provides both moisture retention and good drainage, which are key for seeds to sprout and grow into strong plants.
Propagation	Perlite is a great medium for propagating plant cuttings, as it offers both excellent aeration and drainage. Fill a shallow tray or rooting pot with perlite. Moisten the perlite lightly, but avoid soaking it. Insert the cuttings into the perlite and ensure that the base of the cutting is in contact with the damp material. Place the container in a warm, indirect light area and keep the perlite moist to encourage rooting.
Hydroponic Systems	Hydroponic Growing Medium: Perlite is commonly used in hydroponics for plant support and drainage. It’s typically used in systems like Deep Water Culture (DWC), Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), and Wick Systems. It helps maintain good aeration around the roots, which is critical in hydroponic systems where soil is not present.
Repotting Plants	When preparing the new pot, mix perlite with your existing potting mix in a 1:1 ratio (or 1:2, depending on your plant’s needs). Fill the bottom of the pot with some of the perlite mix to promote drainage, and then add the plant, filling in around it with the remaining mix. Water the plant after repotting, ensuring that the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
Improving Outdoor Garden Soil	Spread a layer of perlite on the surface of your garden bed, and then work it into the soil with a garden fork or tiller. Aim to mix it in at least 4-6 inches deep to improve soil structure. A general recommendation is to mix 20-30% perlite into your garden soil.
For Cacti and Succulents	For a cactus or succulent mix, combine 1 part perlite, 1 part coarse sand, and 2 parts potting soil. This mixture ensures excellent drainage while retaining just enough moisture for the plants to thrive.

Final Tips

Watering: Even though perlite helps improve drainage, plants growing in mixes with perlite may still require more frequent watering, especially in pots or containers, because water evaporates more quickly. Always check soil moisture before watering.
Monitoring pH: While perlite is pH neutral, it’s a good idea to check the overall pH of your potting mix if your plants have specific pH needs.

By using perlite in the right proportions, you can improve soil structure, promote healthy plant roots, and create the perfect growing environment for a wide variety of plants.