What’s the difference between LECA, perlite, pumice and vermiculite?

[@kalizya]

I’ve watched this 2-3 times and I’m still having light bulbs go on in my head. So good.

[@hasang5068]

so do i :) Thanks you so much, Swedisch Plant Guys

[@mariacristinadessi3178]

@@hasang5068 @%aqq

[@gerriwohltmann339]

Excellent clear and understandable explanation of substrates. I am impressed by your complete command of English, which is better than many native speakers.

[@martimasters7704]

No foreigner has a better command of a language than a native speaker. If you study a language from the time you're in 6th grade, you will have some decent ability to use the language. Because Swedish is a Germanic offshoot, it's not diffcult to learn English. For Finns and Slavs, it's more challenging. That said, I agree that the English is really good. Most of the Nordic countries have good English speakers as well as the Baltics, Poland and Bulgaria. But then you go to France and once you leave Paris, good luck! Forunately, basic French is easy to learn and over all, Frenchies are really nice people, like Swedes and Nordics in general. I was really amazed, however, how helpful the Danes were when I was driving from Finland to Sweden, through Denmark and onto The Netherlands. I didn't know there was ferry from the bottom of Denmark to Germany. The Danish lady at the rest stop looked at my map, drew a line, and said, "Go this way." It was early morning, there was no traffic on the road, beautiful scenery all the way, and it was such a nice break to take the ferry, have lunch on board, and get refreshed. The only reason I'm writing this 3 years after your comment is because maybe someone else will watch the video in the future.

[@InspireDogworks]

I CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS CHANNEL!

[@basiliobastardo255]

Highly recommended to watch the entire video if you really want to understand the difference, very informative….

[@emmab7658]

This comparison was just what I wanted. Now I understand these substrates so much better. Tack!! :-)

[@tamil.f.3734]

Fantastic video! This could be whole series with one video dedicated to each substrate. We have one on POMICE already. Thumbs up for this comment if you would like video dedicated to LECA. Thank you!

[@halfhalf656]

This is very helpful 👍thank you for sharing! Could you make another video actually showing us how to mix the soil for different houseplants?

[@석근형]

This is really the most informative video I found on the differences among the 4 substrates. Full of helpful info and great advice. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@nexxogen]

Best lectures about soil can be found on Gary Matsuoka's channel. Here's one of the lectures. It's long, but it really is an eye-opener when it comes to soil. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZemqqWLqp1-e9E Soil in nature is mostly non-organic. It's made of sand, silt and clay. Planting plants in organic soil, like ground tree bark, is an unnatural way of growing plants which doesn't exist in nature and in time it becomes poisonous to plants, as it breaks down. The reason why plant roots rot is not too much water. Water itself doesn't hurt the roots, or else hydroponics wouldn't exist. Roots rot because of a lack of oxygen. They can sit in water all day long, as long as it is regularly exchanged to replenish the oxygen levels in it. Organic planting mixes break down and become compact, which drastically reduces the levels of oxygen. Without much oxygen, they continue to break down anaerobically, which essentially produces sewer gases. If you then water too much, the water doesn't drain away easily and all the oxygen in it gets used up after a while, and that's when roots start rotting.

[@ncman184]

It is really what I need to know about substrates. And I got the confidence to change my pots.👍 Thank you for this posting.

[@fabyvaldez9186]

Where I live perlite is expensive but pumice is really cheap…we use it pulverized to clean grease off pots and you can find it easily in the outskirts of the city. I would have never thought to use it for my plants, but I will try it. Thank you!!!!!!

[@KittinPyro]

😱Here I am, Refusing to use Peat or Sphagnum moss in my plants or soil mixes because I didn’t want to contribute to unsustainable harvesting and I’m sitting here using bags of perlite?? Thank you for informing me that our supply of Perlite is limited, this is the first I’ve heard of this. Just because it’s not running out yet doesn’t mean we should shrug and let it be a problem that younger generations have to deal with. Our ancestors did that with the problems we face now and we are cursing them for doing so, why should we do the same thing? I’ll use up the rest of my current bag and then start using LECA and Grit instead. 😅

[@nvkotian7539]

Now I got to know the actual differences between those medias. Thanks for that.❤❤❤❤❤

[@Crappy.Consumer.Reports]

Wow very helpful raw facts. KZbin needs more of this!!

[@judithlenzin7444]

Thank you so much for explaining the differences between perlite and vermiculite!!! These two are especially the additives I’ve been using and I didn’t know about the differences in absorption.

[@patrickkanne]

This is my approach, no expert but stuff seems to work. When I make a potting mix I make it out of three compounds: Soil, Stones and Compost. These are further divided like Soil (peat/coc/bark/sand) Stones(leca/perlite/vermiculite) Compost(coffee grounds, worm casting, garden compost) As you can see, the "stones" section contains a mix of the three common substrates. For Calethea and Monsterra, who just don't like wet feet, I'd use 60% perlite, for the drainage, and 40% vermiculite, because I DO want some of that nutrient retention. The mix I make for my alocasia low rider I changed that to 40/60, as I want more water retention. For my Adiantum I went even further and did 20/80, as they like it wet. (I don't really use much leca IN the soil, as these two do a fine job of what I really need) Then the actual mix will have anywhere between 10% to 40% "stones" thrown into it, depending on plant needs. (monsterra and calethia for instance about 40%, adiantum about 15%) This is an example of a "soil recepy" as I use it: Alocasia Low Rider Soil 60% peat 20% coco 20% bark Stones 60% vermiculite 40% perlite Compost 20% coffee grounds 20% wormcasting 60% store compost Actual Mix 50% soil 40% stones 10% compost Hope this helps someone 😺😺

[@KindofaScientist]

in canada perlite is only cheap and stones , would normal 0.5 cm white stones work ? or it is just wasting money? I am asking for home plants

[@patrickkanne]

​@@KindofaScientist The difference between perlite and vermiculite is the retention of nutrients. And, as I am told, the difference is small. I'm just being autistic about it, mainly because I can :D I guess when you add the bark, the soil will be nutrient rich as it is and the perlite will work just fine. I did use aquarium stones at one point and this did help with drainage, it also made the larger pots a bit heavy and there I also noticed the ground sinking much faster. So for larger pots I wouldn't recommend. It looks great in smaller pots though, and as ground cover in the really large pots.

[@KindofaScientist]

@@patrickkanne Thank you very much for your detailed answer! yes the weight can be an issue lol! let me share an experience, a hard lesson I learned was too never use playing sands ! it actually results in the soil keeping tones of moisture instead of providing good dranage! sand particles should not be small... lost some plants to it! even those that need sandy solid like Boab tree!

[@patrickkanne]

@@KindofaScientist Gah.. that is SO annoying.. harsh and expensive lessons.. but lessons nonetheless ;) Killed my fair share of plants too, it's always sad to see one go and just don't know how to save it. My guess is that's how most of us learn: the hard way :D

[@patrickkanne]

@@KindofaScientist What surprised me most with the stones was how much the soil dropped and how fast. Did not expect that. I always put layers of mulch when working with the larger pots (30cm and up) so some droppage was expected, but I think because of how the soil was heavier with the stones, the fight with gravity was futile. (working theory) This became an issue with aeration so I tossed the idea out of the window.. (not the stones)

[@cheejokonya8403]

Brilliant info. Horrified I didn't know 2nd is fiber glass and I neither wet or used mask so some might have been inhaled. So thkful for you

[@dondawn25]

I couldn't take my eyes off those plants standing tall, healthy at bothe sides. Give meree!! 😀😭❤️❤️❤️

[@antoniooscaroliveira620]

It took me more than two years to discover, in amateur use, with common sense and by trial and error, that the presentation made will help a lot of people, and will make it possible to avoid mistakes. I'm experimenting with charcoal gravel and the results are promising. The theoretical ability of charcoal to absorb and release some excess nutrients seems interesting to me. I haven't yet realised how stable the substrate will be in the long term. I wonder if you've done any conclusive tests with charcoal and/or mineral coal. Thank you for sharing information and good practice

[@janebuckland737]

Wow…. Stumbled on your channel for something the other day… back today and am so thankful for this tutorial..I am in my 2nd year of houseplant addiction and am soooo looking forward to learning more about growing mediums.

[@loribadgero1035]

This was an awesome discussion. I wish I would have found it sooner. ❤😊

[@whooppeefy]

i came across this video while googling about aroid potting mixes and watched one after another, and i must say you guys have the best gardening tips videos, by far! simple yet scientific, informative and covering all aspects thoroughly, cheerfully delivered with a subtle sense of humour. the calatheas one had me chuckling - my assessment of the calthea personality is just the same and they trouble me among the most 😅 ... keep up the good work! will surely be watching the rest as they seem tailor-made for me - i have the plants you have covered and i have the problems you have covered. 🤓

[@joannabrister3384]

You are a great teacher and deliver the content very well. Thank you from Houston, TX.

[@stephaniekitchen4819]

You explain things very well and with good detail. Thank you! And you are pronouncing vermiculite correctly in English!👍

[@LjubaChambers]

Best houseplant channel on KZbin!

[@camuchacustodio2661]

This is such an informative video I watched it a year ago now I’m back to refresh my memory and make sure I understand how to use again 💓 thank you Swedish guys 🇺🇸✨

[@aroid_artist]

How can anyone give this a thumbs down? It’s just solid, fact based information. Keep them going guys!

[@annietoh3857]

Exactly! The swedish plantguys give solid n useful info wo drama! Love it.

[@robstarski201]

How do you know anyone has? KZbin has gone in the direction of no opinion matters unless its positive, no constructive criticism.... So sad

[@EMuro-wu7uy]

Thank you Swedish Plant Guys, your combined knowledge and videos are perfection. Your English is amazing, I did live in Europe and wish in the US we should teach children at least a second language in Elementary schools, and more choices in Junior high and High School. It would be amazing

[@colinfranklin5817]

i wish you guys would post more!! great content!!

[@patricialisowski1080]

Very Informative, but I have to watch again to take notes😀😀

[@d3r4g45]

fantastic! exactly what I needed! From something i have been reading, some do not suggest there is a bottom "drainage" material. The reason is that the soil keeps the moisture above this level, as a barrier. It makes the pot shorter, so less vertical space for water drainage. There is not a vertical column that would extract the water below, but a barrier of different materials (the mix above and the leca below).

[@marilynboissonneault3900]

Betsy Begonia has a fantastic video explaining exactly why, because of the perched water table.

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

Good comment, I love how they hearted it without saying "yes we made a mistake".

[@thenapalmgiraffe]

Fairly certain that is in regards to planters without drainage holes, NOT standard nursery pots with drainage holes. A bigger grain size substrate in a pot with drainage holes is ABSOLUTELY a fantastic drainage material.

[@gloriamembrillo1015]

Im happy i found you.now i will watch you very often Because you explain properlly. I want to learn more about my plants.i live in Norway

[@inew3365]

this was so helpful, now I have repotted several plants and made the soil more airy with perlite. of some plants the earth was so incredibly compact

[@mannan5490]

Thank you, I always wondered what each one was. can we ask Philip a favor, to better focus and a closer zoom on each substrate so we know what exactly it looks like. thank you again for all your videos.

[@kaitb07]

I would suspect this also depends on what kind of waterer you are. I tend to overwater, so good drainage is Important! But if you tend to forget to water, adjusting the soil with that in mind would be valuable.

[@keef5543]

My parents never water the plants I give them so I add vermiculite, where as I always fuss and can over water so I add extra perlite Pahaha. Annoyingly I just hate how vermiculite looks

[@camuchacustodio2661]

One of the most important knowledge to have to care for your plants 🌱💕💕💕🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸✨

[@raffaelacedraschi7110]

Very good lesson, thank you

[@AB-vb2mm]

Very good video. Waaaay more serious then those hipster teeny cutting collectors with no real interest in plant keeping!

[@abdulazizkhan6833]

🌹🌹🌹🌹!!!! Very Very good explanation. Help me alot in clearing confusion related to Leca, perlite, pumice and vermiculite.

[@MinhNguyen-iz1pj]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 👏🌼to better my understanding about the benefits of each kind of substrate for plants

[@msmile9528]

I feel so lucky and happy to discover your channel.❤️

[@Chris-op7yt]

i've experienced indoor plants dying (rotten roots) by making a mix peat and perlite. after many cycles of watering the mix compacts and there is no additional drainage with perlite. you'd need more perlite than peat, to have the mix stay breathy, and by then it wont retain any moisture. i re-potted outside lime tree into 80% pumice mix, chunkier size.

[@TheNetsrac]

Good, well explanied and very informative video I've been using leca for a few years and tried perlite for the first time this year (2021). I'm going to experiment with pumice and vermiculite, when it's time for repotting Cheers from Denmark ❤👍

[@tasneemchandia3470]

Always refer to your videos every time I’m trying something new. Would love to see your opinion on these substrates for semi hydro setups like pon.

[@j.bumatay8585]

I just found this looking for pumice vs etc. My 2nd great grandfather was born in Skane. Well, I do not speak Swedish my 2gg emigrated to the Territory of Minnesota back before it was a US state. But I know how much I learned from my American Swede family side... so, watching... ;)

[@susanmetcalfe4329]

You are a WONDERFUL instructor. Thank you. Growing in pumice sounds a lot like working with Tufa scree. What are the differences and similarities?

[@nan0908]

Wow, such great details about the science of houseplants! Thank you for these helpful videos.

[@dandeleona4760]

I'm a biologist and this video really helped my greenhouse efforts :D

[@runARGH]

Instead of buying expensive pumice, get natural grit without any salt for use on the ice. A bunch of em are pure pumice.

[@carlamoraisdesousamoreirad5159]

Hello from Lisbon. This was a very interesting information.I really liked this video, for its informative nature. Very well! There is a lot of information on the NET in video format, but none as enlightening. Then the mimic and expressive way he does it is excellent. I always learn a lot from you and I hope to continue doing it! Well done!!

[@haileynichelle8343]

Thank you so much! That was fascinating and very helpful ❤

[@yetanotherperson6436]

Can you reuse the vermiculite? I have just discovered your channel. I have already learnt so much. Thank you.

[@scwheeler24]

Very informative, I wondered in more details the difference. I live in central Texas where it gets hot hot and dry in summer, 3 digits for at least a couple months and for outdoor gardening in containers they dry out, feels like instantly. So I would be better using vermiculite and pumice added to my soil. Thanks

[@bobandrews705]

You do a wonderful job of explanation. Thank you!

[@akankshatank5177]

Excellent explanation as always.... Thanks a million

[@funastacia]

This is so helpful, thank you ☺️✨

[@ourdattafamily]

Really Appreciate your observation that Not use Perlite as much, as supply in nature is limited. Human will run out of natural Perlite due to more limited supply.

[@tyleranne5241]

I use volcanic rocks that I bought at the garden shop, I put them at the bottom of the pot but it takes longer to drain.

[@amandanathania]

You are the best plant guru, you know that 👍👍👍👍

[@2005pab]

Brilliant information and so well explained 👍👍👍

[@rinisilaen]

Fantastic....this is really what I looking for. In my place, Indonesia, the leca, perlite and vermiculite are really expensive, because they are imports, but pumice is more common and cheaper, but its in black and smaller form, almost like sand, so it cannot be re-use. Never used the bigger one. What is new to me, it holds a lot of water. Thank you, this video really helps me to understand what substrates to mix in with my soil.

[@christinaeilers3562]

I've always wondered about these substrates, thanks!

[@ShyDog827]

Extremely helpful👍🏻👍🏻 Now I have a visual image that I can easily remember for reference .

[@toobadavoodi1204]

Your programs are very educational. I love in door plants and I have quite of few and I learn alot from your programs haw to taking care of my plant. The only problem I have is from my Jad plant I kill them . would you please tel me how should I take care of Jad plant. Thank you.

[@lucian.cojocaru8731]

Very helpfull! First video so long that i watched all video! Thx or that!

[@ireneyu9282]

very good explanation.. i am new for planting..and now i know how am i going to mixed with the soil. TQ

[@kanaiyalalsuthar1881]

Wonderful your lessons is really helpful for us i we leave in New York apartments in a years more than 7 months weather is cold i have shank plants, pathos,spiders, coleus,anthurium,Dracena and Herbs plants also so which is good combination of my plants and any hot fertilizer for wintertime please

[@gemmamengote3250]

Thank you for the information, watching from the Philippines, l always looking for the video of you all about planting, caring of different kinds of plants

[@wobblybobengland]

NIce video. I'm not much of a houseplant fan, but what do you think about biochar? I use my own self made on the lawn and with no dig vegetables, the regulating properties and mineral retention capacity is really good, it really does come into its own when it equalises my heavy clay lawn, reducing standing water after heavy rain and again reducing surface dryness after hot, dry spells.

[@lailaidman9121]

Härligt! Tydligt som vanligt. Tackar

[@louiloui2955]

I use 1/4 of a mix of vermiculite and perlite or 1/4 LECA, it has been good for flowers and other plants.

[@Alice_Walker]

I love this, I learnt so much! 💜

[@tinocattaneo4759]

Ottima spiegazione da vero profesionista

[@kevinhales8750]

Fantastic information! Thanks from the Yanks!

[@audreyanderson5559]

Another great video. I think you have just given me a solution for my struggling Peace Lilly.

[@aingealtara1479]

.. Ooh, several options to choose 😳🤗 guess I'll have to ask my plants of what they would like 🙄😉

[@bloomsbysas]

Your videos are the best. Keep posting. Thanks

[@DeeCM58]

I learn much and hope to be a better plant owner,

[@MrMikegsol]

This video is very helpful and informative

[@cathyspooner7093]

Your very good at explaining things

[@carlalakins]

New subscriber. Your channel was recommended and I am glad that it was! I was searching for substrates to mix in with my soils.

[@rowenalatorre4872]

Very Informative!!! We are lucky here in the Philippines pumice is very cheap here you can even get it for free... 1 sack of pumice (8-10kg)here is only 180php or $3.50us

[@marcuevas]

Great video as always. I'm converting my small Hoya collection to 100% Leca. Please make a video about growing in Leca and perhaps more videos about Hoyas😀😁 Thanks

[@aingealtara1479]

.. If you've got Spider plants they can easily grow in Leca as well 🤗 just put leca in a Vasa or whatever you think is good looking or just use full, put the plant in and add water.. Wash off the rest of soil first though with ordinary tap water 🤗

[@melenelewis2955]

Thank you ...excellent explanation that is very helpful. Please could you also discuss the use of coarse sand and horticulture sand and gravel in the potting mixes that are sometimes given on utube videos?

[@ameliaparantar9766]

Very clear explanation…👍

[@marcelveldbloem7431]

Hi guys Love your explaining I grow cacti/ succulents Could you make a video about the use of pumice growing these plants Many thanks

[@siewleanchoong8625]

Thank you for sharing this one which is very informative and useful. Could you also talk about granite? Some people here in Australia use it for succulent soil. Thank you!

[@dimitrijekrstic7567]

It's a non porous rock. There isn't much to talk about. It doesn't retain nutrients, doesn't affect pH. There. That's it.

[@aleksandarhenc100]

Great explanation, thank you! Is it possible that you provide a table of substrate mix with ratio that you recommend for most common indoor plants? I think this info could be beneficial for us beginners. Regards!

[@Katsiaryna2000]

He said 20 percent of LECa to soil , hopefully that helps ?

[@mwoods4608]

I do 40%-50% coco coir, then equal parts orchid bark, pumice, worm castings, activated charcoal

[@kleabkatra7516]

@@Katsiaryna2000 I think he means like a recipe for different types of plants. That's the exact question I had too! There are some plants to the acceptation . Instead of experimenting which can be time consuming and costly, if someone knowledgeable already has experience for certain plants that would be so appreciated. I have so many plants that I am switching to inorganic substrates so any info can help get ahead.

[@msscamp100]

Very informative! I have been wondering what the difference between these substrates are. Thank you!

[@AlejandraMartinez-me3od]

I love watching your videos I always learn a lot. Very well explained and complete as usual 🙂

[@mohamedborhami1490]

Thanks for such collective information on different kind of soil additives which help to much and correct some of our info. , thanks again and Happy new year

[@JJ-ws9uk]

Your videos are extremely informative

[@DarlaLama]

thank you, very clear and easily understood.

[@cynthiastanley1387]

This is great Can you use the dark pumice like you might use to add moisture to your oven when baking--they are large, but can be broken with a hammer Thanks!

[@WartalesinSkyrim]

Perlite is my favourite, super light.

[@teresaaramini546]

Thank you for this information. It’s very helpful!

[@incifisenk9945]

Amazingly informative brief lecture👏👏👏

[@eaglehigh-h3e]

Very well explained

[@montyjenny4354]

Can you also discuss coco coir & coco husk soil amendments

[@TanyaD22]

Thank you for these informative videos. Greatly appreciated 👍

[@jidsim]

perfect explain thank you sir, please tell me for Dracaena and palm which one i use