WE SHIP IN HARD CARTONS SO THAT PERLITE IS NOT CRUSHED

Composition of Horticulture Grade Perlite

1. Origin: Perlite is formed from hydrated obsidian, a natural volcanic glass. When heated, it expands significantly, creating a lightweight, porous material.
2. Physical Properties: It consists of white, sterile, and pH-neutral particles. These particles are full of tiny air pockets, which provide excellent drainage and aeration.
3. Chemical Composition: Primarily composed of silicon dioxide, it also contains a mix of aluminum oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide, iron oxide, and magnesium oxide.

Uses and Benefits in Cactus and Succulent Care

1. Improves Drainage: Perlite's porous nature ensures quick drainage, preventing water-logging, which is crucial for cactus and succulent health.
2. Enhances Soil Aeration: It helps aerate the soil, allowing roots to breathe and grow more efficiently, reducing the risk of root rot in these sensitive plants.
3. Provides Root Support: The lightweight structure of perlite supports delicate root systems without compacting over time.
4. Assists in Soil Structure Maintenance: It helps maintain the structural integrity of the soil mix, preventing compaction, which is beneficial for the delicate roots of cacti and succulents.
5. Easy to Handle: Being lightweight and inert, it's easy to mix into soil and handle, making potting and repotting less cumbersome.

Uses in Other Plant Care

1. Seed Starting: Perlite is ideal for seed starting mixes due to its sterile nature and ability to keep the soil mix light and airy.
2. Root Cuttings: It provides an excellent medium for rooting cuttings, encouraging faster root development with minimal risk of decay or fungus.
3. Potting Mix Additive: A common additive to potting mixes for a wide range of plants to enhance soil aeration and drainage.
4. Hydroponic Growing Medium: Often used in hydroponics as a growing medium due to its ability to retain water and nutrients while providing excellent drainage and oxygen flow.

Application and Dosage

1. For Cacti and Succulents: Mix with potting soil at a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (perlite to soil) to create an ideal growing environment.
2. For Other Plants: The ratio can be adjusted depending on the plant's specific drainage and aeration needs.