Perlite is an extremely versatile, naturally occurring, inorganic mineral in the form of siliceous rock. When the perlite ore is heated at approximately 850⁰-900⁰C it expands up to 20 times its original volume. This expanded volcanic glass helps to immediately improve soil structure by facilitating drainage and aeration. It can also reduce soil compaction. Perlite is completely sterile and pH neutral and exhibits a unique capillary action in which nutrient rich water can be drawn up from a reservoir at the rate that is required by a plant. As a result, hydroponic plants grown in perlite are less likely to suffer from over watering or under watering.
