Vermiculite
- Home
- Vermiculite
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is a versatile mineral used in various industries. In gardening, it improves soil aeration and moisture retention. In construction, it serves as insulation and a lightweight aggregate for building things like pizza ovens. It’s also used in packaging for cushioning fragile items. Vermiculite is employed in fireproofing, in horticulture for seed germination, and as a carrier for fertilisers and pesticides, making it a valuable multi-purpose material. See below for more information about the different uses.
Ausperl Vermiculite: We recommend Ausperl, which is available in economical bulk 100-litre value bags and 50-litre half bags. This brand is offered in three grades: Grade 2 (2-4mm), Grade 3 (3-6mm), and Grade 4 (5-8mm).
Gardening Uses: Grade 2 is especially suited to seed raising, propagating from cuttings and as a potting mix or soil for certain plants and vegetables. Grade 3 is suited for general gardening for plants like bonsai, cactus, succulents and orchids. Grade 4 is more suited to larger bonsai and larger orchid varieties. Other popular uses include planting transplant mixes. Can be used as a stand-alone medium or mixed with other organic materials like potting mix, coir peat, perlite, pumice, bark or sand. For cacti and succulents, its suggested to mix with mediums like gritty mix, scoria & maifan stone,
Gardening Uses of Vermiculite:
- Soil Amendment: Improves soil aeration and drainage while retaining moisture and nutrients. It is particularly beneficial for heavy clay soils, helping to loosen them and enhance root growth.
- Seed Starting: It's an excellent medium for starting seeds due to its ability to retain moisture and provide a sterile environment. It can be used alone or mixed with soil to promote healthy seedling development.
- Rooting Cuttings: It is often used for rooting cuttings because it provides a lightweight, moisture-retentive medium that encourages root growth without becoming waterlogged.
- Potting Mixes: It is commonly added to potting mixes to improve water retention and aeration. It helps create a balanced environment for potted plants, ensuring they receive adequate moisture and oxygen.
- Composting: Adding vermiculite to compost can help retain moisture and improve the structure of the compost, making it more effective as a soil amendment.
Other Uses of Vermiculite:
- Insulation: Is used as an insulating material in construction due to its fire-resistant and lightweight properties. It can be found in attic insulation and as a component in fireproofing materials.
- Horticultural Uses: Beyond gardening, vermiculite is used in hydroponics and as a growing medium in commercial horticulture. It helps maintain moisture levels and provides a stable environment for plant roots.
- Packaging Material: It is used as a lightweight, absorbent packaging material, particularly for fragile items. It provides cushioning and protection during shipping.
- Fireproofing: Due to its fire-resistant properties, it is used in fireproofing applications, such as in the construction of fire doors and as a component in fire-resistant coatings.
- In Animal Bedding: It is sometimes used in animal bedding due to its absorbent properties. It helps keep bedding dry and comfortable for animals, particularly in agricultural settings.
