Perlite Question

[SavinaRed]

So I've mixed up perlite in my soil for my containers and when I water I notice a considerable large amount of the perlite floats to the top. Is this normal ?

 

[LA 2 the Bay]

Yes eventually they will not float as much

 

[rghm1u20]

Yes eventually they will not float as much

+1

 

[SavinaRed]

Ok thanks

 

[moruga welder]

yup !    

 

[John1234]

Everything floats down here..

Mulch will slow things down a bit.

 

[mrgrowguy]

Try pumice instead of perlite. Lava rock can be a substitute also, if you do not want the perlite floating that is.
 
I actually run all 3 in my soil mix for differing drainage and air/nutrient retention.

Everything floats down here..

Mulch will slow things down a bit.

 
They ALL float.
 
Man I want to make a paper boat so badly right now!

 

[Proud Marine Dad]

That's one reason I use 5/16" red lava rock. The only downside is the weight.

 

[smokemaster]

If you use the white Pomice I use (small sized-1/16 - 1/8th in.),sift or better, wash it first.
It has a lot of dust that is almost like plaster of paris when wet or if sand is in the mix.
 
I use perlite and Pomice for weight in my pots.
Santa Anna winds blow over light weight pots.
 
+/- I use 3 parts bark,1 part peat,1 part Pomice,1 part Perlite.
Soil lasts 3-5 years.
I top every year with new mix with time release ferts and new soil.
Re mix the soil that degraded...
 
I use Fish emultion,Seaweed extract and witches brew whenever I water.
Witches brew is a Ca/Mag homebrew.An acetate.
Easily obsorbed by leaves and roots.Not as dependant on soil PH.
Make it with Dolomite lime powfer and 5% white vinegar.