Professor Iggie

If you are using Perlite or Vermiculite....do you know necessarily have to mix the two together or can you just use say Vermiculite as one.....? or Do you have to have a mixture or the two?

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JoseHempSeed

sure, you can use one or the other - most people only use one, and i think perlite is the favorite.
they both do about the same thing - reduce soil compaction.
perlite lasts longer, vermiculite is just mica and decomposes in time...

Mossimo Green

I'm trying to use 100% perlite to grow seeds after germination. not too successfull though. it dries out too fast and i think the seedlings aren't getting the water. one seedling died. still got one but not looking to good.

i read that a 50/50 mix of perlite and vermiculite would work better. got to fine some verm...

Perlite aerates, and vermiculite retains moisture

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Mendrel

Breathing in the Perilite dust (along with other fine airborne particles i.e. wonderful asbestos, drywall dust...) can mess up your lungs by clogging your aveoli (the tiny things that absorb what you breathe) You can be nice to your lungs by wearing a respirator so they can better absorb the smoke you breathe in after you're done with your work

If you are using only Perilite and you aren't standing there watering the plants when the Perilite drys out, your plants are suffering from dehydration. Adding some Vermiculite will help reduce the number of waterings needed per day and give some nutrients as it breaks down. I would suggest buying some Rockwool as many hydro\aero growers use it rather successfully.

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ciratac

> Breathing in the Perilite dust (along with other fine airborne particles i.e. wonderful
> asbestos, drywall dust...) can mess up your lungs by clogging your aveoli (the tiny things
> that absorb what you breathe) You can be nice to your lungs by wearing a respirator so
> they can better absorb the smoke you breathe in after you're done with your work

Yep, silicosis city. We discussed this in more depth a few months ago:
http://www.hempcultivation.com/420/s...threadid=26854

General conclusion was be careful not to make dust, and don't breathe what
you do make.

-ciratac-

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JoseHempSeed

it's important to keep some perspective on the whole thing, too.

gardeners like us have NO CHANCE of contracting any diseases, especially cancer, from using these products. it takes many years of constantly breathing in a dusty atmosphere before any dire consequences like silicosis arise.

don't fear perlite or vermiculite. they are our friends.

OzGrowa

80% perlite to 20% vemiculite, Ive been running that mix for years and it works great for clones or mother plants. The perlite keep the oxygen up and th vermiculite prevents the cuttings or young plants drying out too fast.

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onAMission

I am haveing awsome results with the fired clay balls! They will not effect other variables as it is inert.