Advertisement

Vermiculite

Last updated: November 22, 2021

What Does Vermiculite Mean?

Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is often placed in potting soil to enhance a plant’s growth by boosting aeration while encouraging water drainage. Not unlike perlite, vermiculite adds a plethora of nutrients to the plant, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This mineral looks like specks of grey and can easily contain large quantities of air and water.

Advertisement

Maximum Yield Explains Vermiculite

The nutrients, water, and air present in vermiculite are periodically released to the potted plant. This mineral is non-toxic and completely clean. It is also permanent and sterile, which means that it will not become moldy, rot, or deteriorate. Nurserymen often combine vermiculite with compost and peat to promote root growth. Because it provides excellent anchorage for younger roots, vermiculite is also favored in the square foot gardening system.

In some cases, it is possible to use vermiculite to cover new seeds in either pots or trays to protect them from the elements. The seeds will manage to push their way to the top as they grow. The seeds can also leech nutrients from the vermiculite, a process that consequently boosts growth.

Vermiculite is an excellent addition to flower arrangements because it helps keep the cuttings fresh.

Advertisement

Share this Term

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Related Reading

Tags

Container GardeningRoot HealthPlant NutritionPlant GrowthGrow Media

Trending Articles

Go back to top
Maximum Yield Logo

You must be 19 years of age or older to enter this site.

Please confirm your date of birth:

This feature requires cookies to be enabled