Natural mineral vermiculite works well with perlite to help you produce a growth medium that both maintains moisture and gives roots plenty of oxygen.
Vermiculite has a potential to hold 200–300% of its weight in moisture, making it quite effective at doing so. It's simple to get the ideal balance between hydration and oxygenation for your plants when paired with perlite, which does not hold moisture. This pairing is particularly well-liked for hydroponic installations like drip and Ebb and Flow systems.
Vermiculite is an affordable option, but it's crucial to remember that it shouldn't be utilized in isolation. Due to its great moisture retention, when used as a stand-alone growth medium, it can potentially suffocate plant roots. Nevertheless, vermiculite can encourage strong root development and flourishing plants when coupled with perlite or other substances.
It's a mineral that is mined and looks a lot like mica rock. It has special qualities that make it so valuable for gardening when heated fast because it expands as a result of the production of inter-laminar steam.