Pearlite vs Vermiculite

Whats the difference between pearlite and vermiculite? I know they are different and I know how they are made but do they work differently as a soil amendment? I asked the guy in my hydro shop and he said they functioned the same (aeration and drainage). I've always amended with verm since I have grown outdoors and it blends in better. Anyway just curious if anyone had a preference and why.

Thanks - Aim

Completely different.

Perlite is less absorbant, harder volcanic glass. (breaks down to powder) a bit like pumice

Vermiculite soaks up more water, like a sponge, breaks down quicker (almost to a mush).

There are a few other differences;

Good simple explanation.

[video=youtube;wPjqo6Ad1Gw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPjqo6Ad1Gw[/video]

i think he needs to run the test again though, doesnt look that controlled.

bmeat said:

[video=youtube;wPjqo6Ad1Gw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPjqo6Ad1Gw[/video]

i think he needs to run the test again though, doesnt look that controlled.

Click to expand...

UH-OH!!!! Bmeats is giving advice again. The dumb dragon is up and about.

Moebius said:

Completely different.

Perlite is less absorbant, harder volcanic glass. (breaks down to powder) a bit like pumice

Vermiculite soaks up more water, like a sponge, breaks down quicker (almost to a mush).

There are a few other differences;

Click to expand...

Thanks. Makes sense, sounds like Plite is more for drainage/aeration and Vlite does the same but has some water holding capacity.

bmeat said:

[video=youtube;wPjqo6Ad1Gw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPjqo6Ad1Gw[/video]

i think he needs to run the test again though, doesnt look that controlled.

Click to expand...

Hey bmeat thanks for this information. Interesting.

no problem..ill probably run 50/50 soil(or coco) and perlite for a while.