Perlite

Description

Garden Genie Perlite is used in potting mixes and as a stand-alone soil-less medium for plant rooting. It is ph neutral (around 7) and completely sterile, which is critical for rooting plant cuttings. When used alone, it provides perfect aeration and holds the right amount of moisture. Perlite can hold three to four times its weight in water, but never becomes soggy.

And unlike soil or organic matter, it never disintegrates. Perlite is also used with hydroponic systems world wide, with superior crop production. When used in potting soil mixtures, perlite lightens the mixture and improves aeration and drainage. This is especially useful for large container plantings. The newest use of perlite is in rooftop gardens.

This makes sense, since perlite is proven to grow healthy, viable plants. The main limiting factor for rooftop gardens is weight. Using perlite over other soil mixtures reduces the weight dramatically, by more than half, allowing gardens to thrive in cities where garden space is virtually non-existent. The added benefit is the green roof also reduces heat gain inside the building. Plant nurseries are also on the perlite band wagon. With shipping costs based on weight, using perlite reduces these costs without sacrificing plant health on long trips. Aside from its use as a soil amendment or replacement, perlite is used as a carrier for herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Perlite is also used to pellitize seeds for easier planting.

Know about Perlite:

What is Perlite?

• Perlite is actually a generic term that we use for naturally occurring siliceous amorphic volcanic rock. But unlike other volcanic glasses, if you heat them above a point (8000-9000 C), they expand up to 20 times of its original volume.
• Perlite helps minimize temperature fluctuations in the soil and has a neutral pH level. While it does retain moisture, it does not get soggy. It also does not pose any type of fire hazard or toxicity and keeps the soil free from disease, weeds, and insects.

What is Perlite Made of?

• As Perlite is an amorphic volcanic glass, it is mostly made of silica or SiO2 (about 70-75%). Other than you will also find a mixture of Aluminum Oxide or Al2O3, and Oxides of Sodium, Potassium, Iron, Magnesium, and Calcium, and moisture.
• Perlite softens when it reaches temperatures of 850–900 °C (1,560–1,650 °F). Water trapped in the structure of the material vaporizes and escapes.

How to Make Perlite?

Perlite is a natural volcanic glass. These tend to have more water in them than other types. Nature’s perlite is grey or black in color & is very dense and heavy. The water that was trapped inside the rock vaporizes & tries to escape. As a result, the rock expands more than 10 times their initial size. This expansion of perlite also creates its most distinguishing feature; its unique white color.

About this Product:

• Perlite for Gardening, Hydroponics.
• Good for potting mixes and as a stand-alone soil less medium
• Provides perfect aeration and holds the right amount of moisture, can hold three to four times its weight in water
• When used in potting soil mixtures, perlite lightens the mixture and improves aeration and drainage
• Perlite is also used with hydroponic systems world wide, with superior crop production.