More recently, in the cultivation of plants began to use an unusual material - perlite. This is called obsidian hydroxide, a glass of volcanic origin. Perlite is a fine grains of white color with a shell-like structure 2-5 mm in size. The main difference between perlite is the presence of water bound in the composition. But why is the material used in plant growing? Let's figure it out.
Why is perlite useful for plants?
In general, flower growers use agroperlite - expanded perlite with a high viscosity, brought to such a state at a very high temperature. The use of perlite in floriculture is mainly justified by the ability to retain moisture in the soil. Due to this, aeration of the earth takes place, that is, the soil is ventilated, the oxygen required by the plant comes in. In addition, moisture in perlite, like in vermiculite, among other things, without stagnation, is distributed evenly, thus having a beneficial effect, primarily on the root system of plants, which can not but affect the growth and flowering of representatives of the flora. Perlite for flowers and plants is also used as an excellent drainage material .
However, in addition to the above properties, perlite is a good basis for fertilizers, since it contains micronutrients such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, aluminum, silicon. In addition, this volcanic glass does not allow the weeds and larvae of various pests to get on the surface of the earth.
How to apply perlite for plants?
Variants for the use of volcanic glass in plant growing are many. The use of perlite is most often in cases where plants have a weak root system. To do this, prepare the soil for the pot: perlite, peat and fertile soil mix in the same ratio. Peat can be replaced by humus.
In addition, rooting in perlite is often used. Especially this method is suitable for those cases when there is a fear that the cuttings can rot in the water. Therefore, many experienced flower growers replace water with perlite, mixing it with sand or peat in an equal proportion. The same mixture can be used for germination of seeds.
On the beds, perlite is used to improve the drainage properties of heavy soils. Before landing, a layer of substance 2-3 cm thick is poured onto the surface of the earth, and then the site is dug. In addition, perlite is an excellent material for mulching plants or trunks of trees.