Perlite & Vermiculite Combo

Perlite is mined volcanic glass. It's formed into a grow medium when it's rapidly heated, at more than 1,600-degrees Fahrenheit (871 degrees Celsius), causing the perlite to pop like popcorn and make countless tiny bubbles.

Perlite has been used in gardening, mainly as a soil additive, for many years. Perlite is inexpensive and allows excellent aeration in both hydroponic growing and when added to soil gardens.

There are only a few disadvantage to using perlite in your hydroponic grow system. The first drawback is that perlite has poor water retention and tends to dry out between waterings, if not monitored closely. The second drawback is that perlite dust is a health concern when inhaled, so a dusk mask should be worn whenever handling it.

Perlite is most effective in hydroponic growing when used with vermiculite - in a 50-50 proportional mixture. This is because perlite is an effective aerator and vermiculite is an effective water absorber. When used in conjunction with one another, perlite and vermiculite offer the perfect balance of water, nutrients and oxygen for the roots of hydroponic plants.

Vermiculite (scientifically called: hydrated laminar magnesium-aluminum-ironsilicate) is also a mined material. Vermiculite closely resembles mica rock and it's shiny, golden flecks can soak up to 3 to 4 times its weight in water. Vermiculite is inexpensive to use as a hydroponic medium. Another reason why vermiculite is so popular among hydro growers is because it attracts calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous - minerals that are most vital to plant growth.