{"product_id":"perlite10l","title":"Perlite Tub 5L","description":"\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eAppearing as tiny, roundish white specks amid the other components, \u003cstrong\u003eperlite\u003c\/strong\u003e in potting soil is a non-organic additive used to aerate the media. Vermiculite is also a soil additive utilized for aeration (though less so than perlite), but the two are not always interchangeable. However, as rooting mediums, both provide the same benefit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 typography-heading-sm\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHorticultural Perlite\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eWhile both perlite and vermiculite aid in water retention, \u003cstrong\u003eperlite is more porous\u003c\/strong\u003e and tends to allow water to drain much more readily than vermiculite. This makes perlite a more suitable addition to potting soils for plants that do not require very moist media, such as cactus soils, or for plants that thrive in well-draining soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eHorticultural perlite is made by exposing perlite to heat, which causes the trace water contained in the perlite to expand, \"popping\" the perlite like popcorn and expanding it to \u003cstrong\u003e13 times its former size\u003c\/strong\u003e. The final product is a very lightweight, white stone-like substance. The superheated perlite is comprised of tiny air compartments, resulting in an \u003cstrong\u003eincredibly lightweight material\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003eUnder a microscope, perlite is revealed as being covered with many tiny cells that absorb moisture on the exterior of the particle, not inside. This makes it particularly useful in directing moisture to plant roots. Perlite is prized for its \u003cstrong\u003emoisture retention\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eaeration properties\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is \u003cstrong\u003enaturally sterile\u003c\/strong\u003e and has a \u003cstrong\u003eneutral pH\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"mb-2 typography-heading-sm\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow Perlite Differs From Vermiculite\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mb-4 typography-body-sm\"\u003ePerlite is that white material in soilless potting mixes that looks like little chunks of styrofoam. In its natural state, it has a pearl-like shine to it that accounts for the name, \"perlite.\" While vermiculite and perlite are two completely different substances, they do have some things in common. Both are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"mb-4\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMined out of the ground\u003c\/strong\u003e (perlite is a volcanic mineral)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003eLater \u003cstrong\u003eheated\u003c\/strong\u003e, causing them to expand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003eUsed as \u003cstrong\u003esoil amendments\u003c\/strong\u003e, both in soilless potting mixes indoors and to improve garden soil outdoors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSterile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003eHave a \u003cstrong\u003eneutral pH\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"mb-1\"\u003eContain \u003cstrong\u003eno nutrients\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Perlite","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45039077359792,"sku":"15058","price":79.95,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0282\/5909\/0514\/files\/Perlite-tub.jpg?v=1775463436","url":"https:\/\/folha-shop.myshopify.com\/products\/perlite10l","provider":"Folha Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}