Fine Perlite 1/8"

Medium Perlite 1/4" - 3/8"

Perlite makes a light airy soil. Other than peat moss this is the most used carnivorous plant soil ingredient.

Perlite is siliceous rock heated to about 1600° F, at which time it "pops" creating the light weight airy rock your accustom to. It is generally white but can have a slight yellowish look to it. It is used because it retains air and moisture quit well and it is mineral free. Almost any carnivorous plant can live in a 50/50 Peat/Perlite mix.

We offer both fine and medium perlite. Medium Perlite is far better for Nepenthes, Cephalotus and Sarracenia soil. We use Fine Perlite for sundew and flytrap soil. Fine perlite is roughly 1/8" in size while Medium Perlite is 1/4" - 3/8" in size. Medium Perlite feels a lot like styrofoam, light and fluffy. The Medium Perlite allows more oxygen to the roots and superior drainage, which most cp's benefit from.

Most lawn and garden centers sell "Fine" Perlite. Do NOT use perlite with miracle grow added, it will kill your carnivorous plants. Perlite generally doesn't break down.

Fine perlite should be available at any lawn and garden center. Make sure it is chemical free. Medium perlite is much harder to find but does a better job for the cp's, especially Nepenthes.

Perlite needs to be rinsed before using to prevent it from leaching salts. You need to use bottled, reverse osmosis or rain water. All of which must be sodium free. Rinse the perlite several times. All the perlite we sell is rinsed/dried and ready to use.