Perlite

Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that, when heated to high temperatures, expands and becomes lightweight, porous, and white. This expansion process creates a material with excellent aeration and drainage properties, making it highly valuable in gardening and propagation.

In gardening, perlite is often mixed with soil to improve its structure by increasing aeration and drainage, which helps prevent root rot and promotes healthy root growth.

For propagation, perlite is used as a rooting medium due to its sterile nature and ability to retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away, creating an ideal environment for cuttings to develop roots. It can be used alone or mixed with other mediums like peat moss or vermiculite to enhance its properties.