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Using Perlite in Citrus Container

13 years ago

I brought back some CitrusTrees in 1 Gallon containers from my Flordia Vacation! They can't stay in the containers forever. Can you mix Miracle-Gro Perlite for good drainage to the Soil? What about Vermerculite? i have some in a bag. Which is best to use? I was told today at one of the Big Box Store that they no longer sell Vermerculite because of ASBESTOS!!!! I guess i have to look at the label on the bag i have!!!!

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Comments (3)

houstontexas123
13 years ago
perlite helps, if indoors or during the winter, you'll have to cut back on the watering b/c it'll stay wet longer than during the summer outdoors.
mksmth zone 7a Tulsa Oklahoma
13 years ago
I Dont want to be that guy but unless something changed you are not supposed to bring citrus out of Florida. Someone please update us on this if I'm wrong.

Mike
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
13 years ago
Vermiculite makes a very poor amendment for potting mixes. It collapses pretty promptly, nullifying any porosity.

Perlite is a terrific option. It can greatly increase the porosity within a potting medium and is widely used in an assortment of media. The more perlite added, the better.

By the way...."drainage " is not the goal. Increased air space is. Porosity. If the mix is porous, and the container has adequate drainage holes, gravity will take care of the rest.

There are other amendment options available, but perlite is a very good option.

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