Vermiculite 3 – 5mm, 10 liters

Vermiculite is sterile and chemically inert. It has a plate/lamellar structure where water can be drawn into the layers of the particles. Vermiculite has a cation exchange function, which binds the positively charged particles/metal ions in bonsai nutrition in the same way as akadama does. As the cations get trapped, even the negative parts, anions, such as nitrate, will adhere to the surface of the grain. The tree can then extract nutrients from the grain.

Vermiculite’s water-retaining ability makes it suitable as an addition to many mixtures. Adding 10 – 30% in a mixture provides some aeration and, above all, good water-retaining capacity without drowning the plant.

Vermiculite is also sterile, and bacteria and fungi have difficulty gaining a foothold, making it excellent for sensitive stages in a plant’s life, such as cuttings and newly sown seeds.

Unlike akadama, vermiculte retains water very effectively without the draining properties of akadama. Therefore, add vermiculte to trees that are watered less frequently or that tolerate a higher moisture level in the root system.

Vermiculite is also a perfect medium to top off seeds to prevent them from drying out. Choose a slightly better draining material underneath, such as perlite, akadama, or pumice.

Similarly, you can place seeds in moistened vermiculite for stratification, pre-germination in the refrigerator. The sterile vermiculite protects against mold during the refrigerator stay.

Vermiculite is excellent for ferns and moss cultivation, where moisture is a must. Mix with other substrates suitable for the species.

Vermiculite is also non-combustible and withstands over 1100 degrees, making it suitable for use as insulation around hot surfaces such as chimneys and fireplaces. (Contact your local chimney sweep for advice on the best solutions.)

Grain size: 3 – 5mm
Volume: 10l
Weight: 800 – 1000g

Avoid inhaling mineral dust. Screening and processing are best done outdoors or with good ventilation.

ChatGPT can make mistakes. Consider checking important information.

This post is also available in: Svenska (Swedish)