The sort of vermiculite manufactured for use in gardens is always exfoliated vermiculite. It has a lot of beneficial characteristics that can help your plants and soil. It has a neutral pH, is aerating, moisture- and nutrient-retentive, light, non-toxic, sterile, and does not rot, or mold.
Where Should Vermiculite Be Used
Improved Soil
Poor soil can be made better by adding vermiculite. Vermiculite should be mixed into the soil to a depth of about half the soil capacity. The vermiculite will significantly increase the aeration of the soil, enabling considerably greater plant growth. Additionally, it will keep the moisture and nutrients the plant needs.
Cutting Rooting
For root cuttings, people in the gardening industry frequently utilize vermiculite. It can be utilized in a number of different ways, including alone, coupled with soil, and combined with bark for a soilless potting mixture. Vermiculite will encourage anchoring for new roots and speed up root growth when it is used to propagate a cutting, whether it is used alone or in a mixture. Vermiculite is the best material to use if you want to promote a quicker rooting cutting and a better success rate for propagation.
Planting in Containers
Vermiculite is a great soil amendment for pots, whether they are for indoor or outdoor plants. A healthier root system that is better able to stretch out and absorb nutrients will result from adding some vermiculite to your potting soil. This will enhance aeration and moisture retention, resulting in a lusher plant.
Fresh Flowers
If you like to produce your own organic cut flower bouquets, vermiculite offers a brilliant solution to utilize instead of a vase full of water. Just add your cut flowers after moistening the vermiculite in your container with water. This avoids the need to replace stale water, stops potential spillage, and prolongs the freshness of the flowers.
Plant Transplantation
You must transplant your plants to their permanent location in the ground, whether you started them from seed or purchased them from a nursery. Vermiculite will facilitate your plant’s integration and ensure that its optimal care requirements are satisfied.
Vermiculite works well as a mulch for specific types of plants, such as tomato and rose plants. Just a few inches should be added on top of the soil to enhance moisture management and shield root systems from heat.