Perlite 2-5mm Mixing Compost Growing Hydroponic Incubation Medium Houseplant

Perlite is a lightweight granular material that's white in colour. It looks and feels like little bits of polystyrene but is actually made from expanded volcanic glass, heated to 1000°C until it ‘pops’ (like popcorn) to many times its original size. It's lightweight, sterile, and easy to handle, and is long-lasting. It's neither alkaline nor acidic.Perlite's expanded nature makes it extremely porous, so it can absorb water, but it also improves drainage, so is ideal to mix into compost to ensure water drains freely. Perlite is particularly useful in plant propagation, including taking cuttings and sowing seeds.

Perlite helps aid drainage at the same time as retain water. Therefore ensuring the plant's roots will never sit in damp soil. Mix perlite with compost at a ratio of around 1:4. Do this before planting to ensure an even mix.

Perlite can aid water retention in compost, which can help improve the chances of your cuttings taking root.

Mix in perlite at a ratio of 50:50, fill the pots, water thoroughly and then allow the compost mix to drain for several hours before inserting your cuttings.Cuttings can also be rooted in perlite on its own.