Ausperl horticultural vermiculite is ideal for blending into soil or potting mixes. It helps improve aeration, boosts moisture retention, and offers a range of other benefits for plants. Often used alongside perlite or on its own.
Vermiculite is especially popular for seed raising, propagation from cuttings, and transplanting. Made from a natural mineral that expands when heated, vermiculite forms lightweight, absorbent particles with a distinctive, slightly shiny look. Its unique properties make it versatile for gardeners.
Main benefits:
- Inorganic, inert and sterile.
- Non-abrasive.
- Ultra lightweight.
- Free from disease, weeds and insects.
- Slightly alkaline (neutralised with peat).
- High cation-exchange (or buffering exchange).
- Excellent aeration characteristics.
- High water holding capacity.
- Insulating.
The following grades are supplied in either 100-litre bags.
- Grade 1 (0-1mm) Not Available.
- Grade 2 (2-4mm) For Sale.
- Grade 3 (3-6mm) For Sale.
- Grade 4 (5-8mm) Not Available
Suggested Mix Ratio (% by volume)
| APPLICATION | PEAT or PERLITE | AUSPERL VERMICULITE | GRADE | |
| Seed Raising
Quick Germination |
Fine Seed | 0% | 100% | 2 |
| Large Seed | 0% | 100% | 3 | |
| Seed Raising
Slow Germination |
Fine Seed | 50% | 50% | 2 |
| Large Seed | 25% | 75% | 3 | |
| Softwood Cuttings | On Open Bench | 25% | 75% | 2 |
| Under plastic | 50% | 50% | 3 | |
| Transplant Mixes | Block Mix | 80% | 20% | 3 |
| Seeding Wedgemix | 80% | 20% | 2 | |
| Potting Mixes | Bedding Plants | 75% | 25% | 3 |
| Vegetable Plants | 60% | 40% | 2 or 3 | |
| House Plants | 75% | 25% | 3 | |
| Hanging Baskets | 50% | 50% | 3 | |
| Nursery Stock | 80% | 20% | 3 | |
| If wetness is a problem, substitute up to half of the vermiculite with AUSPERL perlite (grade P500) AUSPERL vermiculite is not recommended for azaleas, rhododendrons and other lime-allergic plants. Excessive compaction and overwatering can impair results. |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What are the dimensions and weight of this vermiculite bag?
A. The dimensions are 34 x 23 x 103cm, and it weighs 9kg. For shipping purposes, this item is 25 cubic kilos.
Q. Is this product sterile, as I'm using it to hatch reptile eggs?
A. According to the manufacturer, this vermiculite is produced using very high temperatures and is therefore totally sterile.
Rapid Seed Raising
Seed Germination:
AUSPERL vermiculite is ideal for the germination of seeds because the aeration properties, combined with its water-holding capacity, make it a superb medium for direct contact with seeds. It is excellent for laboratory seed germination tests and pre-chitting seeds for commercial growers.
Large and small seeds can be raised in pure AUSPERL vermiculite. Slower-germinating seeds may be raised with a 50/50 mix of AUSPERL vermiculite and peat or perlite.
It can also be used as a soil improver. When applied to an outdoor seed bed, it promotes improved emergence and reduces the risk of capping.
Sowing Composts:
In sowing composts, it encourages quicker germination, improved seed growth, and less shock when pricking out or potting on. Sow on a well-watered and drained mixture of equal parts AUSPERL vermiculite and peat or perlite. Alternatively, add one part vermiculite to two parts of ready-mixed seed compost, potting, or all-purpose compost. The proportion of vermiculite may be increased to 75% for large, slower-germinating seeds.
Sow thinly, evenly, and not too deeply. Cover lightly with a free-flowing, moist product. Avoid over-firming. Place the container in a warm location until seeds germinate, then move it to a well-lit position. Keep moist with a fine mist as necessary.
Seedlings can be easily removed from AUSPERL vermiculite compost without damaging their fine and delicate roots, making transplanting a minimally disruptive process.
Seedling Wedge Mix:
Mixed with up to 20% fine peat or blocking compost, it is recommended for most wedge-shaped plug module systems used for the propagation and transplanting of vegetables and bedding plants.
The ‘Speedling’ system of large-scale peat module production, developed in the U.S., utilises this medium in the mix to prevent waterlogging in peat wedges, facilitate re-wetting, and ensure the optimal air-to-water ratio for rapid seed germination and sturdy growth.
Mixes of vermiculite or perlite will require the addition of lime and nutrients, as specified by the specific crop requirements.
It is also used as a reflective surface and protective covering over seedling module trays, which are used for raising various bedding plants and vegetable transplants.
Blocking:
It can be used where seeds are placed into growing blocks.
Encourages better aeration, drainage, and insulation without compromising the block's stability.
Germination can be further improved by covering the seeded blocks with a layer of product. This also facilitates re-wetting and insulates the seed from excessive temperature fluctuations.
Propagation & Potting Mixes
Root Cuttings:
Water the AUSPERL vermiculite and perlite/peat mix before inserting the cuttings, and avoid compressing the mix around the base of the cutting.
A 50/50 mix (with either peat or AUSPERL perlite) is generally suitable for soft cuttings on open benches or under plastic covers (do not use vermiculite under mist).
Micropropagation:
This medium has properties that favour the weaning of tissue-cultured plants from the test tube stage to the commercial glasshouse. Such plants may lack root hairs and be highly sensitive to water stress.
AUSPERL vermiculite/peat mixes provide a suitable medium for plants at this stage. A 50/50 mix is recommended as a starting point for trials.
This medium has been successfully used mixed with agar gel or a nutrient solution, and also as a rooting medium for propagules. AUSPERL vermiculite (fine or medium grade) mixed with perlite (P200 or P400) has proven to be an excellent weaning medium, particularly where absolute sterility from organic materials such as peat is required.
Twin Scaling Bulbs:
This medium is recommended for bulb propagation, where small ‘chips’ from a bulb are stored in a warm place in a bag of 100% AUSPERL vermiculite until new bulbs form at the base of the scales.
Its sterile, moisture-retaining, and insulating properties make it ideal for this use.
The medium can also be loosely poured around bulbs and tubers to provide safe storage and protect against frost and damage during winter. It will not absorb moisture from inside the tubers, but it will take up free moisture from the atmosphere, preventing storage rot.
Potting Mixes:
When used in potting composts, this product creates a very light, open texture that holds more water and facilitates re-wetting, thereby extending the interval between watering.
It also has excellent ion exchange properties, absorbing excess nutrients and slowly releasing them to plants through the finest root hairs.
A 50/50 mix of AUSPERL vermiculite and perlite is widely used for greenhouse pot plants and hanging baskets, while a 25/75 mix is generally suitable for bedding and house plants.
To improve existing compost, add 20–25% vermiculite and mix thoroughly. Since the original compost’s nutrient content is diluted, earlier feeding may be required.