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Is there a perlite shortage? Alternatives to perlite?

chad2468emr

By chad2468emr
in DISCUSSING PALM TREES WORLDWIDE

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PhilippineExpat Community Regular

PhilippineExpat

Posted
Posted (edited)
4 hours ago, lzorrito said:

Hummm:huh:... here's something really out of the box! It turns out that certain cultures use rice husks (fresh, carbonized and burnt) as soil conditioner and it seems to have characteristics similar to expanded polystyrene, phenolic foam, sand, wood by-products such as sawdust and wood fiber. It can also be used as a mulch, very well. Another viable alternative to perlite. How long does it take to decay?

It's actually really popular here and is used for a million things. It also makes a great chicken bedding! It's probably cheaper here, though, because I'm in Asia so all things rice are in good supply. As for decomposition, I've found they last a few months in the ground, but when used as mulch it lasts a lot longer. Given soil needs to be replenished with volume every now and then anyways, it doesn't bother me to reapply. When I need to reapply, I mix the old mulch layer into the top soil and apply a new level of mulch. I think the decay is fine, though, because it enhances the soil structure. I had to dig out a plant where I amended the soil deeply with rice hull. The hulls were decomposed, but I noticed the soil was far more light and airy. It's also great for container plants because it adds a lot of volume but very little weight. Oh, and for mulch I was worried wind would blow the rice hulls away because they are so light, but it has never been an issue.

As for carbonized rice hull, it is a popular soil amendment but can't be used as mulch. It has a very sandy texture and I think it decomposed pretty fast. 

Edited by PhilippineExpat
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palmsOrl Grand Master

palmsOrl

Posted
Posted

I picked up this bag of coarse Vermiculite Saturday from a local garden center for $39.99 plus tax.

IMG_20200831_052954793.jpg

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Moose Grand Master

Moose

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, palmsOrl said:

I picked up this bag of coarse Vermiculite Saturday from a local garden center for $39.99 plus tax.

IMG_20200831_052954793.jpg

Score :yay:

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  • Upvote 2

Coral Gables, FL 8 miles North of Fairchild USDA Zone 10B

  • 1 year later...
DoomsDave Grand Master

DoomsDave

Posted
Posted

No trouble getting perlite here in California.

Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

Scott W Mentor

Scott W

Posted
Posted

Lol, old post revived by a spammer.... literally his one and only post that was placed minutes matter joining to link to his product.

Merlyn Grand Master

Merlyn

Posted
Posted

Yeah, fortunately the spammer got deleted.  I actually had to online order the Vigoro 2cuft perlite bags from Home Depot a couple of weeks ago, they stupidly made it available "free ship to home."  That option is now gone...but they were out of stock everywhere in the Orlando area.  Right now the only store with 20 in stock is on Colonial Drive, every other store is out of stock.

Scott W Mentor

Scott W

Posted
Posted

My local Ace Hardware always seems to have it when I need it, though not as course as I'd like.

GottmitAlex Grand Master

GottmitAlex

Posted
Posted

I like to use lava sand from Acme (out of AZ) to mix the medium I employ for my palms.

 I know the company name is funny. 

Never used perlite. 

  • Upvote 1

5 year high 42.2C/108F (07/06/2018)--5 year low 4.6C/40.3F (1/19/2023)--Lowest recent/current winter: 4.6C/40.3F (1/19/2023)

 

Silas_Sancona Grand Master

Silas_Sancona

Posted
Posted

Using perlite in soil mixes  ..is like driving a Pinto   ..and being rage-angry that it doesn't get the mileage of a Tesla..   ~ shrugs shoulders / face palm combo ~

Xenon Grand Master

Xenon

Posted
Posted

Expanded shale is readily available around here 

Jonathan

Katy, TX (Zone 9a)

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