How to keep perlite from floating?

[Tokudai]

I use about a 50/50 mix of perlite and have noticed that it raises through the watering cycles, and by the end of the grow, almost all of the perlite is concentrated in the top few inches of the pot. I am considering trying granular rockwool (repellent type) next time - though it may have the same problems. Before I spend the money, does anyone have a tip or trick to help with this? A freind said to add 10% vermiculite to the mix, but I don't want to waterlog anything.

Tokudai Reviewed by Tokudai on 11-30-2006. How to keep perlite from floating? I use about a 50/50 mix of perlite and have noticed that it raises through the watering cycles, and by the end of the grow, almost all of the perlite is concentrated in the top few inches of the pot. I am considering trying granular rockwool (repellent type) next time - though it may have the same problems. Before I spend the money, does anyone have a tip or trick to help with this? A freind said to add 10% vermiculite to the mix, but I don't want to waterlog anything. Rating: 5

[good ol daze]

I usually have the opposite happen. Perlite should break down from chunks to what it actually is, volcanic sand and sink or mix in with the soil. It could be the quality of the soil...?

[Tokudai]

I am using 50/50 Perlite/Organic Compost when I noticed this.
This next run I am using 50% perlite 30% compost 20% potting soil to see if this helps. I wish I could some "bigger" perlite, mine hardly starts out as chunks.

[Nochowderforyou]

Wow, that's strange. I've never had this problem before. Maybe try adding more soil mix and less perlite, like a 30% perlite 70% soil mix, and the soil mix can have humus, peat moss, etc... in the mix.

I use 1/3 vermiculite, and a 2/3 potting soil mix, that has added perlite, humus, peat moss, and one other thing that I can't remeber from the top of my head.

This may sound stupid, but you are mixing all of your soil/mediums together?

When you plant, how loose do you pack the soil? I'm thinking you are maybe not packing the soil down good enough, and that leaves spaces for the perlite to rise from when you water. Pack the mixture down good, but not so tight where water can get through, but not so light where the roots can't grab a hold of the soil and grow.

I'm guessing it isn't that otherwise you would have poor root development, resulting in shitty plants.

I don't know bro, that's all I can think of.

[Bree1978]

my perlite rises too. I don't pack, so you solved my problem with it Nochowderforyou. Thanks. S

[Mrs. Greenjeans]

Ahhh...! I love the search feature. The perlite rising thing was driving me batty.