5L Bag of Perlite

Perlite is a material derived from the thermal treatment of volcanic sands. It comes in the form of small whitish beads measuring 1 to 6mm in diameter, which are very lightweight and have a granular and porous structure with very interesting physical qualities. It helps to lighten the soil or substrate in which plants are grown, promotes root development, while retaining and gradually releasing water to the roots. Essential for delicate sowing and propagation operations, perlite can be used pure or mixed with potting soil.

Perlite, being 100% mineral, is an inert substance and therefore has no influence on the chemical qualities of the soil. It is rot-resistant, very durable, pH neutral, very lightweight, capable of retaining up to 30 times its weight in water, non-combustible, and insulating. However, over time, these small beads can become relatively friable, causing the substrate to shrink slightly in volume. It is obtained by high-temperature firing (1200°C) of a naturally occurring siliceous volcanic rock (rich in sand or quartz), which swells and becomes porous due to the heat and evaporation of water. Often used for the production of lightweight concrete or for insulation in buildings, it is also a valuable material for gardeners. It is generally mixed with potting soil at a ratio of 20 to 50% depending on the desired objective. Perlite is used in potting mixes for flowering plants, or pure for propagation and sowing, as well as in hydroponic culture. This technique allows plants to be grown without soil, on a neutral and inert substrate, regularly irrigated with a nutrient solution.

Perlite and vermiculite are two similar materials that can be used together, with their respective qualities creating an interesting synergy. Although these raw materials are abundantly available, they are not renewable and require a significant amount of energy for their production and importation. Therefore, it is important to use them responsibly and in moderation, especially for delicate sowing and propagation operations. This is particularly important as these materials are often used in ready-to-use potting mixes for sowing and propagation.