Vermiculite vs Pearlite

[smpaz420]

I have been getting everything ready for my first grow. I went to the local nursery to get some FFOF and ferts i needed, along with the pearlite i see everyone using. Well they did not sell pearlite, all they sold was vermiculite so thats what i bought. Is this going to be ok? any input is appreciated.

smpaz420 Reviewed by smpaz420 on 03-30-2008. Vermiculite vs Pearlite I have been getting everything ready for my first grow. I went to the local nursery to get some FFOF and ferts i needed, along with the pearlite i see everyone using. Well they did not sell pearlite, all they sold was vermiculite so thats what i bought. Is this going to be ok? any input is appreciated. Rating: 5

[BobBong]

Well, as much as vermiculite will improve the quality of your soil.. It's not doing the same thing as Perlite .... by any means.

Find some Perlite, your roots will love you for it.

[smpaz420]

ok thanks bob

[Rusty Trichome]

When working with the dry product, best to wear a mask.

The Vermiculite retains water a bit longer than perlite. Good during summer months, not so good during the colder months, when evaporation and plant aspiration slows down.


Also, might want to keep this in mind:

"Horticultural Vermiculite has the excellent property of improving soil aeration while retaining the moisture and nutrients necessary to feed roots, cuttings, and seeds for faster growth. Like perlite, horticultural vermiculite is permanent, clean, odorless, nontoxic and sterile. It will not deteriorate, turn moldy or rot. The pH of vermiculite is essentially neutral (7.0-9.5) but owing to the presence of associated carbonate compounds, the reaction is normally alkaline. It also will vary (become more alkaline) with changes in processing techniques and time, and with the presence of moisture. The pH, color and chemical composition of vermiculite also will vary from mine to mine."

IE: Keep an eye on the run-off ph.

Horticultural Perlite and Vermiculite

[Mr. Clandestine]

When working with the dry product, best to wear a mask.

I definitely second this, especially with perlite. Even the coarse types throw off a plume of white dust when they get mixed up, and you definitely don't want that stuff in your lungs. Vermiculite can be equally as nasty, because it expands when it gets moist.

[zoott]

Where is a good place to get vermiculite? Does home depot or lowes have this stuff?

[daihashi]

Where is a good place to get vermiculite? Does home depot or lowes have this stuff?

Yes and Yes :thumbsup:

[stinkyattic]

Indoors, you really owe it to yourself to source perlite. Farmers' supply stores sell it in bulk. Yay, Agway.
Outdoors, I'd prefer vermiculite because it's less obvious (brown vs bright white) and holds water longer.
Indoors, you want the soil to be SUPER light, so perlite is ideal.