What is Vermiculite

What is Vermiculite

Introduction

Vermiculite is a mineral that expands at high temperatures. It is a silicate. When vermiculite loses water and expands due to heat, it becomes curved, which is very similar to the shape of leeches, hence the name vermiculite.

Element

Vermiculite is a layered silicate mineral rich in magnesium and iron. The appearance of vermiculite ore is similar to mica, and it is mainly formed by hydrothermal alteration or weathering of black (gold) mica.

Features

advantage

First, vermiculite can be used as a soil conditioner, and its ion exchange capacity can effectively improve soil structure;

Second, vermiculite has strong water retention and water conductivity, which can improve the air permeability and water retention of the soil, neutralize acidic soil, and facilitate the growth of plant roots;

Third, vermiculite can act as a buffer, allowing the fertilizer to be released slowly in the medium;

Fourth, vermiculite can also provide elements such as magnesium and iron to crops.

shortcoming

Vermiculite is brittle and can easily make the medium too dense and lose its air permeability and water retention.

Applicable plants

Vermiculite can be used in flower, vegetable, fruit cultivation, seedling cultivation, etc. In addition to being used as potting soil and conditioner, it can also be used for soilless cultivation.

<<:  What is garden soil?

>>:  What is granular soil?

Recommend

Three common methods of cutting rosemary

Rosemary water cutting rooting method In spring o...

When and how to change the soil of white palm

Time to change soil for white palm It is suitable...

How to prune kapok

The significance of pruning The most important re...

Cultivation methods and precautions of agapanthus

1. Soil requirements When growing Agapanthus, the...

How long is the growth cycle of Pueraria root?

Introduction to Pueraria root growth Pueraria roo...

How to water succulent jade pendants

Watering tips for succulent jade pendants Succule...

Eggplant planting technology and management points

Eggplant is an annual herb. With its strong adapt...

If the green radish is frozen to death, will it grow again next year?

1. Will it grow longer next year? Whether it can ...

In which month are gourds ripe for picking?

Gourd is an annual climbing herb with a long hist...

Disease prevention and control methods of Cymbidium

Sclerotium rolfsii Symptoms It is usually release...

How to plant cyclamen seeds

1. Planting conditions ① Time: September to Octob...

How to grow Selaginella to produce multiple heads

1. Soft lighting Selaginella grows best in semi-s...

Spring cutting time of red leaf plum

1. Cutting time It is not suitable to propagate r...

When is the sponge gourd ripe? Can it be grown at home?

1. What season is the dish? Luffa is a common veg...