Choosing Perlite

[August44]

In the nursery we use #3 perlite in the soil mix. It helps improve airflow and water retention -Even for cutting propagation.

Is #3 the large, medium or small chunks?

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I always get my perlite 1/4 inch size and shop for other substrates like coconut husk chunks in 1/8 to 1/4 inch size from my local marijuana growers supply shops. They always have a cool assortment of substrates, and gadgets and a myriad of "magic fertilizer elixers" to look at. And grow lights too. But they have been my best source for a "good for bonsai size" substrates of different types.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

I only add a small handful of coconut husk chunks into my mixes. I blend the coconut husk chunks with fir bark for my orchids, I then use this orchid mix blend as a minor additive for my bonsai mixes.

 

[DaveStillwell]

Is #3 the large, medium or small chunks? . the photo below is #3 perlite