Notice
During the hot summer months, all plants are shipped in full leaf and active growth. While we take
great care in packing, transit heat and confinement can cause temporary shipping shock such as minor
leaf wilt or yellowing. This is normal and recovery begins once plants are watered and acclimated
after arrival. For best results, unpack immediately upon delivery and keep plants well-watered in a
shaded area for several days before planting. We highly recommend buying 2nd day air service for all
Quart size plants and trees, so they will arrive faster during the heat of summer.
Horticultural Perlite
Regular price
$19.99
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Horticultural Perlite
Description
Highest Quality Perlite - Less Dust
Our coarse #3 perlite is screened for a cleaner mixing experience with minimal loose dust. As with any perlite, lightly mist it before opening.
Our coarse #3 perlite is screened for a cleaner mixing experience with minimal loose dust. As with any perlite, lightly mist it before opening.
Nutritive Solutions® Horticultural Perlite — Coarse Grade (#3) Soil Amendment | 3 Pound Bag
Most Plants Do Not Die From Neglect. They Drown.
Coarse horticultural perlite is the simple fix for soggy, airless soil. One 3-pound bag of coarse #3 perlite costs $19.99 and helps amend potting mixes, raised beds, and propagation media.
What Is Horticultural Perlite?
Horticultural perlite is volcanic glass expanded under heat into lightweight, porous white granules. Mixed into potting soil, raised beds, or propagation media, it creates permanent air pockets so water drains and roots breathe. It is pH-neutral, sterile, and will not compost away like bark or peat.
After 40 years of propagation experience, perlite is still the amendment we mix into nearly every rooting blend we produce. This is our in-house brand, Nutritive Solutions® coarse perlite, sourced and bagged for the same mixes we use in production.
Why Growers and Smart Gardeners Use Perlite
- Drains faster: Excess water moves through instead of sitting around the root ball.
- Adds oxygen: Roots need air as much as water, and perlite holds pore space open.
- Prevents compaction: Soil stays loose and workable season after season.
- Sterile and inert: No weed seeds, pathogens, or nutrient interference.
- pH-neutral: It will not shift your feeding program.
- Lightweight: It makes large containers and hanging baskets easier to manage.
- Permanent: It is a mineral, not an organic material, so it does not decompose.
How Much Perlite To Use
All ratios are by volume, not weight.
| Use | Perlite ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General potting mix | 20–30% | Most annuals, perennials, and shrubs |
| Succulents and cacti | 40–50% | Fast dry-down |
| Seed starting | 25–33% | With peat or coco coir |
| Cuttings and propagation | 50% or 100% | 50/50 with peat, or straight perlite |
| Raised beds and heavy clay | 10–20% | Work into the top 8–12 inches |
| Hanging baskets | 25–35% | Reduces weight |
| Orchids and aroids | 20–30% | With bark and charcoal |
How To Use It
- Lightly mist the perlite in the bag before opening to keep any remaining dust down.
- Measure by volume, not weight, when preparing your mix.
- Mix your dry components on a tarp or in a tub until the white granules are evenly distributed.
- Pre-moisten the finished mix before potting so it wets evenly.
- Fill containers and plant as normal. No curing or waiting period is needed.
Perlite vs. Sand
| Perlite | Vermiculite | Sand | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main job | Drainage and air | Holds water and nutrients | Weight and drainage |
| Water retention | Low | High | Very low |
| Best for | Containers, cuttings, succulents | Seed starting and moisture lovers | Amending in-ground beds |
| Weight | Very light | Light | Heavy |
| Breaks down | No | Compresses over time | No |
Rule of thumb: If your problem is soggy soil, reach for perlite. If your problem is soil that dries out by noon, reach for sand.
Specifications
- Brand: Nutritive Solutions®
- Price: $19.99 per bag
- Bag size: 3 pounds of coarse perlite
- Grade: Coarse #3, the largest common horticultural size, ideal for containers, propagation, and chunky aroid or orchid mixes
- Material: Expanded volcanic glass, horticultural grade
- pH: 6.5–7.5, neutral
- Sterile: Yes, with no pathogens, weed seeds, or insects
- Nutrient content: None. It is an inert carrier.
- Reusable: Yes, rinse and re-mix.
- Mixing guidance: Choose the ratio above based on your plant and growing application, then measure the ingredients by volume.
What Your $19.99 Covers
- Bag: Coarse #3 perlite in a 3-pound resealable bag
- Price: $19.99
- Use: Add to potting mixes, propagation media, raised beds, hanging baskets, and chunky orchid or aroid blends
- Shelf life: Indefinite. It is a mineral and will not break down or expire.
Who It Is For
Container gardeners, raised-bed growers, succulent and houseplant collectors, propagators taking cuttings, seed starters, bonsai and orchid growers, and anyone fighting heavy clay or a pot that never dries out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does perlite ever need replacing?
No. It is a mineral and does not decompose. Reuse it when you refresh a mix.
Will perlite make my soil too dry?
It drains excess water, not the water your plants need. If a mix dries too fast, lower the ratio or pair it with coco coir.
Is perlite safe to handle?
Yes. It is inert and non-toxic. Mist before mixing and wear a dust mask if you are sensitive to fine dust.
Why do the white bits float to the top?
That is normal. Perlite is lighter than soil and rises with watering. It is still working below the surface. Top-dress or gently stir it back in.
Can I use 100% perlite?
For rooting cuttings and hydroponic-style setups, yes. For long-term growing, blend it with a medium that holds nutrients.
Perlite or pumice?
Both aerate. Pumice is heavier and stays put; perlite is lighter, cheaper, and easier to mix. For most container growing, perlite offers excellent value.
Does it change soil pH?
No. It is pH-neutral and will not interfere with fertilizer.
Why is this bag listed by weight instead of quarts?
This product is packaged and sold as a 3-pound bag by weight. Because loose perlite can settle and pack differently, we use the package weight rather than promising one exact loose-volume measurement.
What does coarse #3 grade mean, and is it right for me?
Grade refers to particle size. #3 is the largest common horticultural grade, so it creates bigger air pockets and drains hardest. It is best for containers, cuttings, succulents, and chunky orchid or aroid mixes. If you are mainly starting seeds in fine trays, a finer grade suits that job better.
How should I estimate coverage from one 3-pound bag?
Coverage depends on the ratio you choose and the other ingredients in your mix. Use the application guide above and measure your finished mix by volume for the most accurate result.
Shipping and Our Promise
Shipped from our south Alabama nursery year-round. We reach 90% of the U.S. in an average of 2.8 days, packed with the same care that keeps our shipping damage rate at 0.24%. Questions about your mix? Our growers answer them, backed by 45 years of hands-on experience behind every bag.