PERLITE

[dp92651]

I ran out of palm mix and have been using the big bag of perlite from home desperate. Wondering if anyone has used this to amend their soil as well? I mixed in some good compost as well.

[Moose]

For container grown palms - correct?

[MattyB]

For potted palms I use 50% cheap, EarthGrow potting soil and 50% perlite.

I did surround the rootballs of my 3 Ravenea xerophila with 100% perlite when I planted them in the ground, just to try something different, but usually I don't use perlite for in-ground plantings.

I know palmtalk member Roosty Sado uses it as an inground soil ammendment but that's the only time I've ever seen it being used. It probably works great, but it's a really expensive way to ammend your soil.

I refuse to buy perlite from Home Depot anymore. It's very expensive and you basically get perlite dust. I buy mine at Andersen's. It's good quality and you get twice as much for the same price.

Remember to wet down your perlite before using it, or make sure you wear a particle mask. The dust is nasty, easily goes into the lungs, and I think I read somewhere that it's a carcinogen.

[dp92651]

For potted palms I use 50% cheap, EarthGrow potting soil and 50% perlite.

I did surround the rootballs of my 3 Ravenea xerophila with 100% perlite when I planted them in the ground, just to try something different, but usually I don't use perlite for in-ground plantings.

I know palmtalk member Roosty Sado uses it as an inground soil ammendment but that's the only time I've ever seen it being used. It probably works great, but it's a really expensive way to ammend your soil.

I refuse to buy perlite from Home Depot anymore. It's very expensive and you basically get perlite dust. I buy mine at Andersen's. It's good quality and you get twice as much for the same price.

Remember to wet down your perlite before using it, or make sure you wear a particle mask. The dust is nasty, easily goes into the lungs, and I think I read somewhere that it's a carcinogen.

Thanks Matty, sounds like the stuff from Anderson's is the way to go. I think it is up there w/ asbestos. I am too lazy to put on my mask, I usually just hold my breath and know that in about 30 years I will regret it.

And yes, when planting into the ground.

[Darold Petty]

I hate perlite! It floats on water.., all your potted plants will develop a dirty crust of discolored perlite on the surface of the medium. I use pumice instead,.. same function of increased aeration and structural support as the medium decomposes, but minus the perlite scum on top! I mix 4 parts high quality potting soil to 1 part pumice. Here in the SF area a bag of 0.75 cubic foot is about $6.

[Gonzer]

I hate perlite! It floats on water..,

A kindred soul!

Who likes floaties? Pumice is the way. 3/8" horticultural grade in all my mixes. Bromeliads really love it as do veggies, palms and cactus. If you can find a builder's supply company that sells it by the trashcan you can usually get it for around $25. Just screen the dust before using.

[Jastin]

Im returning That stuff to HD and getting some Pumice

[Ice Blue]

You can also get pumice at some specialty pet stores sold under the name Dry Stall. It's also used to keep horse stables clean. Goes for about $12 a bag. Matty great reminder about taking care of the

lungs. I really need to wear a mask when I use the stuff.

[vincentmolino]

For potted palms I use 50% cheap, EarthGrow potting soil and 50% perlite.

I did surround the rootballs of my 3 Ravenea xerophila with 100% perlite when I planted them in the ground, just to try something different, but usually I don't use perlite for in-ground plantings.

I know palmtalk member Roosty Sado uses it as an inground soil ammendment but that's the only time I've ever seen it being used. It probably works great, but it's a really expensive way to ammend your soil.

I refuse to buy perlite from Home Depot anymore. It's very expensive and you basically get perlite dust. I buy mine at Andersen's. It's good quality and you get twice as much for the same price.

Remember to wet down your perlite before using it, or make sure you wear a particle mask. The dust is nasty, easily goes into the lungs, and I think I read somewhere that it's a carcinogen.

how can this stuff be good for roots but also a carcinogen??

[Gonzer]

how can this stuff be good for roots but also a carcinogen??

The roots don't inhale.

[vincentmolino]

then the next round of Benzene is on me,......im buying

[Moose]

how can this stuff be good for roots but also a carcinogen??

The roots don't inhale.

It's the tiny cuts and residual scaring that is the carcinogen catalyst. Chemically, perlite is benign.

Gonzer is right, no inhale, no problem.