Substrates · PlantScraper

Coarse perlite 8.5 L

Coarse expanded volcanic glass, 5–15 mm: air to the roots without holding water.

Coarse perlite 8.5 L

Coarse perlite is the grade that actually works in aroid mixes: the fine stuff packs down and does the opposite of what it is there for. At 5 to 15 mm the air pockets stay open months later, and the substrate does not compact under its own weight.

It is 100% expanded volcanic glass, made in Europe: inert, pH-neutral and sterile. Inert means it takes no part — it releases nothing, binds nothing, degrades into nothing — which is exactly what you want from something whose job is structure.

It is the component that rescues a mix from being too heavy, and on its own it works well as a rooting medium.

Sizes and prices

Specifications

Composition
100% expanded volcanic glass
Grade
5–15 mm
Origin
Europe, made exclusively for PlantScraper
Properties
Inert, pH-neutral, sterile
Water retention
Minimal
Volume
Resealable 8.5-litre bag
Typical use
20–50% in aroid mixes

How to use it

Dampen it before mixing: dry, it throws up dust, and perlite dust is not something to breathe. On its own it roots cuttings; in a mix it corrects a substrate that holds too much.

Used with

Part of

All equipment · The plant catalogue