Thanks for that dude. I also use fabric pots (root pouch) and they are good. I use Mychorrizal fungi and think that the increased air flow through the soil helps the fungi which in turn helps the roots.......at least that's what I thinkPerlite can cake up, restricting root growth. I've not yet determined why it sometimes cakes, and sometimes doesn't. I use fabric pots, so it's easy to gently massage the root ball to loosen it up without stressing her too much. My current soil grow is 50/50 dirt to perlite, with an aquarium airstone in the bottom to boost oxygen level. Seems to work... growing faster than straight soil, not as fast as hydro. But so much less TLC required! Oxygenated soil could be my new go to method.
I always advise 25% perlite minimum,With regards to soil compaction and nutrient absorption. Using an overly generous amount of perlite, can that negatively impact soil too? Just as much as not using any?
Perlite can cake up, restricting root growth. I've not yet determined why it sometimes cakes, and sometimes doesn't. I use fabric pots, so it's easy to gently massage the root ball to loosen it up without stressing her too much. My current soil grow is 50/50 dirt to perlite, with an aquarium airstone in the bottom to boost oxygen level. Seems to work... growing faster than straight soil, not as fast as hydro. But so much less TLC required! Oxygenated soil could be my new go to method.
Lots of people grow in nothing but perlite.....Perlite can cake up, restricting root growth. I've not yet determined why it sometimes cakes, and sometimes doesn't. I use fabric pots, so it's easy to gently massage the root ball to loosen it up without stressing her too much. My current soil grow is 50/50 dirt to perlite, with an aquarium airstone in the bottom to boost oxygen level. Seems to work... growing faster than straight soil, not as fast as hydro. But so much less TLC required! Oxygenated soil could be my new go to method.