Perlite is a widely found naturally occurring crystallized glass rock that had been produced in a volcanic eruption. Although it can be harvested in just about every part of the world, it is found in the greatest abundance in the Greek Islands and the Southwestern regions of the United States. Perlite is distinguished from regular glass by the fact that it contains a rather high percentage of water and has a tendency to expand with sufficient amounts of heat.

When commercially processed in a procedure similar to preparing popcorn, perlite becomes very light and airy and has, therefore, been discovered as being quite useful in a wide variety of industries, particularly because of its low cost. And so, perlite is used in the construction, horticulture and explosive industries for producing plaster, mortar, insulation, filters, tiles, ceramics, clay and so on.

Let us go back to the use of perlite in the field of horticulture where its applications serve as additives to potting media and conditioning to ground soils, as an agent that helps in preventing the loss of water and as a standalone medium for hydroponics. And because perlite is so effective in retaining moisture in soil, it is also commonly used in the media for potting orchid plants.

When it comes to growing orchids and their potting media, the differences of opinion are many as some claim that 100% perlite is sufficient for successful growth while other prefer mixing of various types of media with perlite being only one of the components. My personal experience is that all of them are correct and I always advise orchid growers to use the mixture of medias they are most comfortable with or to simply use just one type. Either way, their orchids will undoubtedly thrive.

Here are the most commonly used orchid potting soil media and ones which I have tried myself:

• Perlite
• Charcoal
• Fir Bark
• Coconut Chips
• Sphagnum Moss
• Sponge Rock
• Rockwool

And, by the way, two aspects of perlite makes this a particularly favorable potting media for orchids and those are: a) its crystals are clean and easy to pot, and b) one cannot ever overwater it as it tends to drain itself. Your orchid plants, regardless of the species, will love it.

We are the most comprehensive source for all products and services related to orchid plants and so here at Orchid Care.org you will find information about perlite and other potting media, fertilizers and supplies such as pots, stakes, humidity trays and so on and on.

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Filed under: Orchid Supplies

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