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Questions tagged [perlite]

For questions about the usage of Perlite, a volcanic soil additive that increases water drainage, aerates, and loosens up the soil.

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Is unexpanded perlite useful in any way?

When I buy perlite, I immediately soak it in water and avoid inhaling the dust. I place it in a bucket and open the tap above it. This strong water flow stirs the perlite and the medium is wetted evenly. I then scoop the perlite with a sieve under…
Christmas Snow
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Recycling potting mix with perlite: Would I get garden soil with perlite dust?

I'm a fan of recycling, and it's not about money. Chopped plant material is disposed into the compost pile. Even old potting mix does not go to the landfill, but rather to that same pile. I often use the old peat/coir based potting soil to balance…
Christmas Snow
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is perlite dust toxic or is it safe for humans to breath

I'm growing avocado seeds and I'm wondering as there is so many confusing info out there in regards to perlite. I would like to use it in my pots but I'm not sure if it is toxic or not. can I keep the plants In my bedroom if there is perlite in the…
seedelicious
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Perlite and Vermiculite sustainability

Are perlite and vermiculite sustainable? For potting mixes, I have to use quantities of perlite and vermiculite. But I am concerned about their sustainability, and how they are obtained.
Aksh
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Uses of perlite dust

At the bottom of my bag of perlite, there is lots of white powdery perlite dust. Are there any practical uses of perlite dust in gardening? Is the white powder beneficial as a soil amendment? If there are no beneficial uses, I might dispose the…
Flux
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Factors to consider when choosing between Perlite and Vermiculite for improving drainage in raised beds?

My local community gardening organization gave me plans and instructions for constructing and filling a raised bed. They said to use half top soil and half compost, in layers. I foolishly did not follow the instructions, and instead used a local…
aparente001
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A good substitute for perlite to be used in potted plants soil mix?

I would really like to make a soil mix with some perlite, so it becomes really light and has good drainage and won't hold up too much water. This is to use on potted plants. But I couldn't find any perlite to buy near me. What can I use as a…
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Does disintegrating perlite produce clay?

Perlite sand is extremely fine. Is it clay? Will it cake up my soil over a long period of time(e.g.10 years)?
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Vermiculate has a bad history of being tainted with asbestos; what about perlite?

I avoid vermiculite because of its horrible history of being tainted with asbestos. Wikipedia states that, nowadays, vermiculite is supposed to be tested for asbestos, but knowing a bit about testing procedures, politics, and greed, I have my…
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