Can too much perlite be a bad thing?
- Thread starter grassy007
- Start date
DannyBlaze2
Active Member
I knew a dude he grew in 100% packing peanuts but really I've heard 25% to 50% depending on what you're adding it to and how much is already in it..
chemphlegm
Well-Known Member
pure perlite is great ...with a dripper for the chore. 99% perlite and 1% dirt would require more frequent waterings than 99% dirt and 1% perlite. if you like to water often use more perlite, if you need faster draining use more perlite for example
Father Ramirez
Well-Known Member
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.
StonerCol
Well-Known Member
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 think
MickFoster
Well-Known Member
The more perlite you use, the more often you will have to water. People who do the original hempy bucket grow in 100% perlite with great results. I grow in coco and use a 50/50 coco/perlite mix. The more oxygen to the roots the faster the growth.
vostok
Well-Known Member
I always advise 25% perlite minimum,
up to 75% before you get any issues and
that will be as above having to water perhaps 2x day
just where I'm at perlite is as expensive as fuck,
but clean river sand is just as good even pea gravel
good luck
LemonChello420
Member
You can grow in 100% perlite and it will work perfectly. Just remember you'll need to add nutrients and such if you go that route as it is an inert matter. I usually to a 50/50 mix of coco coir and perlite as the coir is a great medium to grow in and the perlite gives great aeration!
Chip Green
Well-Known Member
I tried using straight perlite to no avail, as the medium was physically unable to provide enough support for my plant to remain upright. I guess the roots didn't develop quickly enough for me.
Probably could've grown it laying down I suppose.
Probably could've grown it laying down I suppose.
Nugachino
Well-Known Member
That's amusing. I was thinking of trying a SIP with an air stone in the bottom.
mr sunshine
Well-Known Member
Lots of people grow in nothing but perlite.....
Indacouch
Well-Known Member
I add a shit load of perlite to my new soil .....yes I do have to water more often....but over the years I've noticed the plants grow much faster in that fluffy/airy soil.....and it makes it much harder to run into overwatering issues...adding lots of perlite is a win win IMO ....GL
Daveindiego
Well-Known Member
I’ve been adding 25% perlite to my coco.
Daveindiego
Well-Known Member
Here is a plant I harvested today. This is why I’m now adding perlite.
Lots of roots at the bottom of the pot, but they didn’t seem to spread out. Like they went straight to the bottom and curled up.
Lots of roots at the bottom of the pot, but they didn’t seem to spread out. Like they went straight to the bottom and curled up.