Chillagoe Perlite is a lightweight and expanded volcanic glass with a wide range of uses. Its horticultural uses include soil aeration, drainage, seed raising, hydroponics, plant propagation, orchid mixes, cactus and succulent soil. Industrial uses include filtration, insulation, construction & fireproofing.
Perlite for Gardening:
Perlite is a popular growing medium or additive which can be used to improve soil aeration and drainage. When mixed with soil it helps prevent soil compacting while retaining some moisture and allowing excessive water to drain away. This makes it ideal for most plants, especially those prone to root rot. Perlite is pH neutral and sterile, reducing the risk of disease. Perlite is especially popular for seed raising, propagating, re-potting, orchid, cacti, succulents and hydroponic growing.
Main Features:
- Chillagoe Perlite: The permanent soil conditioner.
- Australian made and owned.
- Aerates and loosens the mix: The irregular shape of Chillagoe Perlite holds other media in the mix apart, allowing air to reach even the tiniest of roots.
- Holds moisture in the soil allowing the plant to draw more moisture in faster.
- Permanent non-toxic: Made from a naturally occurring volcanic rock and will never rot or dissolve.
- Neutral pH and sterile: Ideal for horticultural use because it is neutral in pH, sterile, disease and weed free.
- Great soil insulation: It's tiny air bubbles give it excellent insulation properties which minimizes the temperature fluctuation in the soil.
- Very light in weight.
Disclaimer: Please note that the 25 Litre and 50 Litre bags have been repackaged from full-sized bags. So these sizes come with no labelling or a re-sealed open bag.
Please only select this option if you are in Sydney or surrounding areas like Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and some Blue Mountains areas as far as Katoomba. If you are outside these areas please select the option labelled Regional NSW and Interstate listed below.
Perlite Bead Size |
Description |
Size |
1.5 mm to 2.5 mm |
Chillagoe Perlite - Fine |
100 Litres |
1.6 mm to 3.0 mm |
Chillagoe Perlite - Medium |
100 Litres |
3.0 mm to 5.0 mm |
Chillagoe Perlite - Coarse |
100 Litres |
5.0 mm to 7.0 mm |
Chillagoe Perlite - Super Coarse |
50 or 100 Litres |
6.5 mm to 10 mm |
Chillagoe Perlite - Jumbo |
25, 50 or 100 Litres |
Perlite For Orchids:
Perlite is a lightweight volcanic mineral that can be used to improve drainage and aeration in orchid growing mediums.
To use perlite for orchids it can be mixed with other materials like bark, charcoal, or sphagnum moss in a ratio suited to your orchid type. A common mix might be equal parts bark and perlite. This combination keeps the roots well aerated and prevents waterlogging, which orchids are sensitive to. For epiphytic orchids, which naturally grow on trees, perlite is ideal for mimicking the airy root environment they prefer.
Use coarse-grade perlite for larger orchids, and fine-grade for seedlings or smaller species. Avoid using perlite on its own, as it does not retain enough moisture or provide structure for orchid roots. Always use clean, horticultural-grade perlite, and repot orchids every 1–2 years to keep the medium fresh. Perlite can also be added to existing mixes to improve drainage in heavy or compacted media.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What is the weight per cubic metre of the Jumbo perlite.
A. Each 100-litre bag weighs approximately 6 kg. One cubic metre (1000 litres) would weigh about 60kg.