Perlite Vermiculite added to the garden or vermiculite in potting soil increases water and nutrient retention and aerates the soil, resulting in healthier, more robust plants. Perlite may also be found in potting soils, but vermiculite is far superior for water retention. Vermiculite, although less aerating than perlite, is the amendment of choice for water-loving plants. Read more at Gardening Know How: What Is Vermiculite: Tips On Using Vermiculite Growing Medium https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/vermiculite-growing-medium.htm What is perlite? Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic rock, which is fired in furnaces to produce lightweight porous cinders. It is exemplary for increasing aeration in compost/soil an also excellent for moisture retention and drainage. Benefits By mixing the fine lightweight particles with your soil/compost, you will benefit from: Improved drainage and aeration. Increase of water retention and absorption. Stimulated growth of health, strong roots. How to use perlite To minimise dust when using, we recommend dampening the perlite initially. As a rough guide, if using the full bag, add approximately 1 litre of water into the bag and allow to sit for several minutes to permit soakage. Rooting cuttings For leaf cuttings and soft stem plants: use an equal mixture by volume of perlite with compost. For harder cuttings and more fragile plants: use 2 parts perlite to 1 parts compost. Keep well watered ensuring that the pot can drain well at all times. Once roots begin to appear, pot-on into compost, or a compost/perlite mix. Adding perlite at this stage will help to speed up further rooting and also greatly reduces any risk of root disease.