Perlite, does it make a difference? Also what to use.

I

i69

Member
The neighbor behind me used to grow trees he stole from his work. He also had about 3-5 greenhouses setup back there. God know what he was growing with those, I was only 8 at the time when they tore them down. Now that I'm getting into indoor growing I was wondering if there would be anything of use back there. I scoped out the site and there is tons of stuff. Pots I can use from seedlings to full maturity. There is also a pile of what I assume is Perlite. I'm wondering if this is in deed Perlite or some other substance. It did seem it was composed of Styrofoam so who knows. Also what are the benefits of Perlite. I would be growing in soil so could I mix some in to help retain water? Also when I'm back there give me a list of what to look for that could benefit the grow. There's all kinds of pvc tubing and other stuff. Creative comments would help as I am good with my hands. Hopefully someone has actually read all of this and can help me out.
 
calicat

calicat

Well-Known Member
i69 said:
The neighbor behind me used to grow trees he stole from his work. He also had about 3-5 greenhouses setup back there. God know what he was growing with those, I was only 8 at the time when they tore them down. Now that I'm getting into indoor growing I was wondering if there would be anything of use back there. I scoped out the site and there is tons of stuff. Pots I can use from seedlings to full maturity. There is also a pile of what I assume is Perlite. I'm wondering if this is in deed Perlite or some other substance. It did seem it was composed of Styrofoam so who knows. Also what are the benefits of Perlite. I would be growing in soil so could I mix some in to help retain water? Also when I'm back there give me a list of what to look for that could benefit the grow. There's all kinds of pvc tubing and other stuff. Creative comments would help as I am good with my hands. Hopefully someone has actually read all of this and can help me out.
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From Wikkepedia.....In horticulture, perlite can be used as a soil amendment or alone as a medium for hydroponics or for starting cuttings. When used as an amendment it has high permeability / low water retention and helps prevent soil compaction.
 
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i69

Member
I saw the wikipedia also. Just looking for what other people have to say about it. From that information though it would useful to allow the roots to spread easier, also help prevent root rot if the soil likes to retain water.
 
JohnBaked

JohnBaked

Active Member
It def helps the pots drain better and hold the water better. Roots also spread faster if the soil is pretty compact before adding it
 
Po boy

Po boy

Well-Known Member
you do want perlite in your soil. the aeration it provides in the soil is perfect for healthy root growth (it allows oxygen to penetrate the soil for root uptake) and also helps prevent over watering. sterilize any pots you find before using for such a precious crop. GL
 
I

i69

Member
Sweet, thanks for all the feedback. I grabbed mostly small-large clay pots I had found. I'm going to give them a good wash and put them in the microwave to kill anything on it. Hopefully I can get my box made shorty after and I'll be off!
 
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