perlite floating to top and plants get too much water

Can someone please tell me how they keep perlite in their soil mix from floating up during watering. I would have to water at a trickle to keep this from happening.

I use MG potting soil. I know it sucks, but I have a limited budget. It works on other plants, but I really just want to seee if other people encounter this and how to keep the perlite in the root zone where it will provide the oxygen needed for heallthy roots.

I have grown a few rounds and I always have problems with root rot. I do not over water! I do not have fungus flies.

I know it has to be a pH problem, but it will certainly help if I could get oxygen to the root system.

Please let me know your thoughts and ideas!

It kills me to watch the decline in plant health!

do you have holes at the bottom of your pots and enough room so that the bottom of the pots are not sitting in the excess water?

if you pre mix your perlite and soil you should be ok sorry i'm in hydro never done soil but know plenty about it I've just never come accross this problem.

Sounds like you may have poor drainage. It's natural for some of the perlite to come to the top, but if the water is pooling up to the point that it's all coming out, then you want to see about getting the water to drain faster.

I have holes in the bottom, but for the size of some of my bigger pots, I may need to add holes for extra drainage. I am using about40% perlite so some is still in the root zone, but something is hindering my route growth.

thanx.

You want just enough drainage that the water doesn't pool up when you water. That causes the soil to separate out as the lighter bits float to the top, as you've seen. Too much drainage and the soil won't get a good soak before draining out. Neither are going to hurt your plants, it's just going to make proper watering a pain in the ass.