Read on to learn what vermiculite is, how to use it, and how it compares to perlite.
What is Vermiculite?
Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral thatserves as a soil amendment.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
It is mined out of the ground, exfoliated, and treated with extreme heat and pressure.
The resulting worm-like, curly, and sterile product can expand.
The silvery-gray and flaky material is so light that the small particles move when you blow on them.
Vermiculitetraps nutrients in the soil, but it does not contain any nutrients itself.
It has to be mixed with commercial fertilizer orcompostto feed plants.
How Vermiculite Works in Soil
Vermiculite expands and is sterile.
Vermiculite lightens heavy soils, providing a more conducive environment for plant roots.
Because it is sterile, gardeners dont have to worry about it harboring harmful plant pathogens.
Vermiculite won’t deteriorate in the soil, meaning it lasts a long time.
How to Use Vermiculite in Soil
This versatile mineral product has many different uses.
Vermiculite is valued because it retains water, and perlite is favored because it provides aeration.
While vermiculite and perlite are two completely different substances, they do have some things in common.
Use it in a growing medium for plants that dont mind drying out but need outstanding drainage.
Vermiculite is a natural mineral found in the earth.
I use/used vermiculite to enhance my potting soil.
Should I be concerned?.
United States Environmental Protection Agency.
