15 Substitutes For Perlite That You Can Choose

In a rush and can’t do the research yourself? Let me give you the information quickly.

Good Substitutes For Perlite are pumice, horticultural grit, poultry grit, sand, coarse vermiculite, gravel, clay pebbles, crushed shell, cactus mix with pea gravel, calcined clay, coco coir, wood chips, and rice husks.

What is Perlite?

It is neither a type of soil nor a type of fertilizer. It’s an additive for soil that helps to aerate the soil and increase drainage.

Formed from volcanic eruptions, Perlite looks like styrofoam balls. Perlite is very popular in gardening for improving the soil structure.

Now there can be circumstances where you might want to use substitutes for Perlite. For this you would want to know what Perlite offers to you and if the alternative that you are using will give the same.

Features of Perlite used in Gardening

Perlite speeds up the germination and rooting, improves aeration, drainage & insulation in Potting Mixes, and improves the texture of clay soils. Here are benefits that you can see with its use in gardening

Aids in aeration with loosening of soil
Improves drainage
Promotes root initiation and growth

Retain water but does not become soggy
Almost neutral pH
Non-Toxic and does not Decompose

Free from pests and diseases
Insulates from temperature fluctuations
Inert

Good Substitutes For Perlite

1. Pumice

Pumice is a light-colored, extremely porous rock with a foamy appearance. It is the closest substitute to perlite as it is also formed during explosive volcanic eruptions.

Unlike other volcanic rock products for gardening like vermiculite and perlite, it is ready to use in its natural form, and no industrial processing is necessary for its use.

Advantages of Pumice over Perlite

Minimal damage from mining

Minimal processing
Heavy enough not to blow away
Improves aeration and drainage

Disadvantages of Pumice over Perlite

Can be dusty (especially finer grades)
Expensive
Not available easily

Pumice is slightly heavier than perlite, so it won’t float to the surface of your soil over time.
It is just as good as perlite for water-sensitive plants like succulents and cacti.
Does not retain as much water as vermiculite.

It also doesn’t decompose as coir and rice hulls do.

Check out Perlite vs Pumice in detail

Advantages to Adding Pumice to Your Garden

Pumice contains very few trace minerals, and does not break down. Instead of adding nutrients, pumice improves soil structure.

Loosens heavy soil. It also keeps the soil from compacting, even when laden with water, thereby improving aeration.
Improve drainage in any kind of soil, and prevents soil from becoming waterlogged even in heavy rains or excessive irrigation.
Fine-grained and retains excess moisture within its porous structure. It acts like a sponge, holding water until the plants need it. Then it releases that water steadily into the soil. Its unique structure can reduce your garden’s watering needs by up to 35%.

Pumice is also useful as an attractive, long-lasting, and beneficial mulch.
In addition to your compost pile to mitigate odors and regulate moisture, and mixed in your worm bin’s bedding.

2. Granite Gravel

Using Granite gravel as a complete substitute for perlite is not possible due to some different qualities. Although it may fulfill the same purpose. Granite is way heavier than perlite and for this reason, you cannot add too much to your pot, as it becomes too heavy.

Advantages of Granite Gravel over Perlite

Does not wash away like perlite and is an attractive top dressing
Improves drainage and water retention
Prevents the soil from being compacted

Is heavy enough to prevent pots from being blown over by the wind
Can help with weed control, when used as a top dressing

Disadvantages of Granite over Perlite

It is too heavy to use exclusively in a container pot.

Poor choice for germinating plants.
Can be hard to source.

Advantages Of Adding Granite To Your Garden

Prevents the soil from compacting and keeps the soil aerated. Improves clay or boggy soils in the garden.

Does not wash away by heavy rains.
Granite contains nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium, which all benefit plants.

3. Sand

Sand again shares some of the attributes of perlite. It is pH neutral, facilitates drainage, and is sterile. It is very good to add to your garden soil to avoid waterlogging and increase drainage.

Advantages of Sand Over Perlite

The disintegration of sand over time does not occur
Sand is not manufactured and is, therefore, environment friendly
The higher the amount of sand in the soil, the fertilizer acts more quickly

Having sand in the soil makes tilling or digging in the garden soil easier and harvesting vegetables, herbs, or crops becomes easier

Disadvantages of Sand Over Perlite

Sand does make quite a mess and is not as easy to control as perlite
Washing away of sand by wind and water is a constant worry

Nutrient-wise, and cannot do much for the garden

Advantages Of Adding Sand To Your Garden

Sand is less likely than perlite to be a host for carrying diseases or bacteria.
Sand is long-lasting.

Incorporating sand in the soil media helps it to heat up faster, which in turn warms up the soil for faster germination.
Sandy, loose soil is a better environment for root crops, as it makes it easier for the roots to push through the loose and light soil.

4. Horticultural Grit

Horticultural grit is just gravel that has been crushed. Often a variety of stones are also used to make it. Horticultural grit is bits of small particles measuring 1 to 7 mm, used mainly for plant soil mixes.

Advantages of Horticultural Grit over Perlite

Grit produces less dust than perlite and is environmentally friendly
Horticultural grit is cheaper in price than perlite and longer lasting
Being natural, horticultural grit is non-hazardous, perlite though is manufactured and comes with a fine layer of dust that can be a hazard if inhaled

Enriches the soil with minerals that perlite does not possess

Disadvantages of Horticultural Grit Over Perlite

Is heavier than perlite, making your pot plant quite heavy to carry around
Horticultural grit dries out quickly faster than perlite

Advantages Of Adding Horticultural Grit To Your Garden

Loosens up the soil for plant roots to maneuver.
It greatly improves air circulation within the soil.
Better drainage, keeping water away from roots but still providing moisture.

5. Rice Husks

Parboiled rice husks can replace perlite in potting soil mixes. It is nutritious, lightweight, natural, and environment-friendly. It keeps the soil airy, aids drainage, and keeps the soil from becoming too compact.

Advantages of Rice Husks Over Perlite

Excellent source of nutrients. Perlite is sterile and is not beneficial to plants or soil, nutrient wise
Is a good source of Silicon content that benefits plants. It increases their immunity to fight disease

Rice husks improve the texture of the soils

Disadvantages of Rice Husks Over Perlite

Rice husks are not as easy to find in large amounts as perlite
They are not as long-lasting as perlite as they begin to decompose after a few years

As they decompose the soil becomes compact again
Rice husks can cause a Nitrogen deficiency in the soil
A major drawback to rice husks is that if it rains all your rice husks will float away with the water

You have to boil the rice husks to ensure their sterility, or they could become disease carriers

Advantages Of Adding Rice Husks To Your Garden

Useable as a mulch, it will discourage weeds too.
High in nutritional value.

Working with the husks does not pose a hazard to your health, unlike perlite which can give you respiratory issues and eye irritation.
It contains Silicon which helps growing media aid in fighting stress and drought.

6. Vermiculite

This growing medium is outstanding when it comes to water retention. Also, it is sterile and nontoxic. Vermiculite shares some qualities with perlite in that it is lightweight, pH neutral, and does not decompose. Vermiculite has actually greater absorption power than perlite.

Advantages of Vermiculite Over Perlite

Does not decompose, and provides aeration necessary for the soil and plants
Its low cost, making it popular for growing houseplants, herbs, microgreens, and hydroponics
Vermiculite is better than perlite for water and nutrient retention

It is non-toxic and protects seedlings from fungal diseases
It can absorb up to 3 to 4 times its weight in water
Due to its moisture-retaining qualities, vermiculite is most suitable for moisture-loving plants like ferns and orchids

Disadvantages of Vermiculite Over Perlite

Perlite is less expensive than vermiculite
Vermiculite can retain too much moisture, which can affect cacti and plants that don’t need too much water

Once wet vermiculite can lose its structure and break down or disintegrate

Advantages Of Adding Vermiculite To Your Garden

You can add vermiculite to your garden soil to condition and improve the soil quality.
Medium-grade vermiculite is suitable to root cuttings.

As vermiculite is sterile and is good at retaining water it can be used for seed germination.

7. Bark

Pine bark is one of the main ingredients in commercial potting mixes. It prevents soil from complete compaction. Additionally, it offers good drainage, retains moisture, and releases nutrients into the soil. Pine bark has long been useful as a growth medium for almost all orchids.

Advantages of Bark over Perlite

The bark is a natural, nontoxic, and renewable resource, and biodegradable

It is suitable for acidic plants like ferns, magnolias, and carnivorous plants
Easy to obtain bark and cheap
Is lighter than perlite. Your potted plants will not be so heavy to carry

Disadvantages of Bark over Perlite

Does not retain as much moisture as perlite
Will disintegrate over time
Can carry pathogens and diseases, whereas perlite is pest free and sterile

If not treated it can attract termites and other bugs
Bark has a higher pH level than perlite

Advantages Of Adding Bark To Your Garden

Bark added to your garden soil helps to regulate the temperature, and helps against extreme heat.

Disintegrating bark improves the soil structure.
While disintegrating in the soil essential nutrients and elements are added to the soil.
Helps retain moisture for longer periods.

Discourages the growth of weeds.
Reduces runoff during thunderstorms by absorbing a lot of water.
Makes your garden look attractive.

Want to know how long dried Lavender lasts?

8. Coconut Husks or Coir

Coconut husks or coir is a very good substitute for perlite. Whether you use the coir or husks doesn’t really matter. Both are good at water retention and are porous. It is also a natural and sustainable product.

Advantages of Coconut Husks/Coir Over Perlite

Coconut husks or coir are not a health risk as perlite

The coconut soil media is sustainable and simple to use
It has excellent water retaining properties. Coir can retain more water than perlite
Coir or husks are airy and offer good air circulation. Perlite does not allow for air circulation

Coconut husks or coir are pH neutral
Different sizes to choose from, there are coconut peat, coir, and husks
No artificial ingredients are used in this product

Disadvantages of Coconut Husks/Coir Over Perlite

Can be hard to get your hands on coconut husks or coir. Perlite is more readily available
Does not contain any nutrients which mean you have to do your own fertilizing
Coconut media is acidic, whereas perlite is neutral

The coconut media contains a high salt content
Coconut growing media is too light to use in your big container plants as it is very likely to get blown away in strong winds
Coconut decomposes over time, perlite does not

Advantages Of Adding Coconut Husk/Coir To Your Garden

Coconut growing mediums are not harmful to the lungs of people, as well as their eyes as perlite is.
Coconut coir and husks are sustainable.
Coconut products can contain pathogens if not sterilized. Perlite on the other hand is sterile and contamination free.

9. Cat Litter

It is quite okay to use kitty litter in your plants, as long as it has not been used by your feline! Most cat litter is porous and well-draining and can be used with other soil mediums like peat, coconut peat, and potting mix from the nursery or your local store. Fresh cat litter is not toxic to plants.

Advantages of Cat Litter Over Perlite

Cat litter is a good amendment for soil that is compacted, as it provides aeration to the soil
The litter is great at absorbing water

Clay-based cat litter contains nutrients such as Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Copper which can benefit plants. Perlite does not contain any nutrients
Clay-based and sand-based litter are relatively cheap to obtain and there is a large variety to choose from

Disadvantages of Cat Litter Over Perlite

Not all cat litter is suitable as a plant-growing media and some can be harmful to the plant

You cannot use a litter that has been used by your feline as cat feces contain organisms that are harmful to humans. No such problem with perlite as it is sterile
You cannot use a litter that contains chemicals like perfumes and dyes

Advantages Of Adding Cat Litter To Your Garden

It is a good substitute for gardening over perlite. It provides good water retention and drainage.

The easy availability of cat litter makes it a suitable backup plant in the garden.
It is best to place cat litter in areas where you don’t want much moisture due to its ability to soak up liquids.

10. Calcined Clay

This is a soil additive trading under the brand name Turface. It is used on sports fields and golf courses as a substitute for perlite. Calcined clay is derived from clay that is heated at temperatures of 1500℉ to expand the clay.

Advantages of Calcined Clay Over Perlite

Calcined clay like perlite is good for water retention, but the clay is more absorbent, in fact, it can hold water equal to its weight
Calcined clay is heavier than perlite and therefore less likely to be washed away
It aerates the soil and holds enough moisture

By mixing it in your potting soil, it can help prevent root rot and other diseases caused by excess moisture

Disadvantages of Calcined Clay Over Perlite

Working too much with calcined clay can prove to be unhealthy as it contains Silica which can scar your lung tissue and reduce your breathing capacity
Not as popular as other media for use in container plants

Advantages Of Adding Calcined Clay To Your Garden

It is very good at retaining water.
Particularly good when used over large areas of lawn as it prevents it from getting waterlogged by improving drainage
Good for potted plants like bonsai and cacti

Buy Organic Clay Pebbles from Amazon

11. Poultry Grit

This soil substitute was initially formulated for chickens as it aids the birds in food digestion. It also supplies them with necessary minerals for the formation of healthy egg shells. Made from granite, the grits are pH neutral and completely natural.

Advantages of Poultry Grit Over Perlite

This is a sustainable and organic product

It does not contain any additives or chemicals
Besides being crushed it does not go through a manufacturing process
Just like perlite, it is porous and well-draining while aerating soil
It is heavier than perlite. So, it can add weight to your flower pot and stop it from getting blown away by the wind
Poultry grit when used as a top dressing can discourage weeds
Grit aids the soil in balancing the pH and releasing nutrients into the soil

Disadvantages of Poultry Grit Over Perlite

Poultry grit is too heavy to be used exclusively in containers, due to their weight
Grit will be unsuitable for the germination of seeds because the weight of the grit will make it hard for the seedlings to push their way up from the media
It helps aerate loamy or clay-like soils

Advantages Of adding Poultry Grit To Your Garden

A very good medium to increase aeration and drainage to your garden soil
Is non-toxic and contaminant free, making it eco-friendly
Poultry grit will not wash away even in heavy rains
The grit imparts minerals to the soil

12. Clay Pebbles/Leca

Another great substitute for perlite is clay pebbles. They are also known as Leca which is the abbreviated name for Light Expanded Clay Aggregate.

The clay is formed into small balls and then fired at temperatures of 1200℃. This causes the clay to expand and create small fissures throughout the clay ball. The clay balls are available in various sizes.

Advantages of Clay Pebbles Over Perlite

The clay balls provide necessary aeration for plants. Some plants like orchids can be grown entirely in clay balls as they like air circulation
Improve drainage
The clay balls can be reused many times
They can be found online or at garden centers
Clay pebbles do not disintegrate
They are user-friendly and do not make a mess.
They are environment friendly

Disadvantages of Clay Pebbles Over Perlite

They take up more space than perlite because of their larger size
Can be fragile when dry and of low quality
It may not be as easily available as perlite
Quite expensive when compared to perlite

Advantages Of Adding Clay Pebbles to Your Garden

Can help to overcome extreme drought in potted plants.
They are most effective when growing plants that need a lot of air while growing (especially for their roots).
You can use them over and over again, this can be very cost-efficient.
Size options make it easier to choose which one is suitable for your garden.

13. Crushed Shell

Anyone who composts would know that egg shells are a great addition to the garden. But, I bet you didn’t know that they can be used as a substitute for perlite in certain scenarios. Well, it may not be the best option but one you can still consider.

Advantages of Crushed Shell Over Perlite

Shell is an excellent calcium substitute
Its lightweight nature leads to less space usage
Cost-efficient and easy to source
Water passes through egg shells rapidly making it ideal for succulents which do well with little moisture

Disadvantages of Crushed Shell Over Perlite

A crushed shell does not do enough to help soil aeration
The eggshells end up sticking together which can inhibit equal distribution of compounds, soil, and even water
Using a lot of shells in the soil can provide too much Calcium
Not long-lived as it disintegrates and breaks down over time

Advantages Of Adding Crushed Shell to Your Garden

Increases fertility of your soil by providing Calcium
Broken down in relatively little time meaning you will have to add something else to the soil
Unlike adding fertilizer or concentrated compounds, egg shells are as natural a substitute as you can find
Affordable and naturally created in any household

14. Cactus Mix with Pea Gravel

Pea gravel gets its name from the small sizes of the stones and their smooth texture. Apart from being widely used to grow cacti, it also serves as a material useful for paving the driveway and the patio region.

Advantages of Cactus Mix and Pea Gravel Over Perlite

Affordably priced
Rodents cannot scratch through pea gravel
Inhibits the growth of weeds

Disadvantages of Cactus Mix and Pea Gravel Over Perlite

Difficult to remove from the soil if you choose to
Not preferred by everyone as it bets suits succulents not other water-thirsty plants

Advantages Of Adding Cactus Mix and Pea Gravel to Your Garden

Excellent growth media for succulents such as cacti which don’t like much water for long periods of time
Doesn’t hold too much water if you have plants that do not have high water requirements

15. Peat

Many people will know this by the name Sphagnum moss. In fact, peat comes as a common ingredient in many soil mixes. You can probably find it easily and it can be used to replace soil completely when growing certain plants.

Advantages of Peat Over Perlite

Offer high water retention
Does well to avoid soil compaction due to its fibrous nature
Works to retain nutrients and minerals
It is biodegradable

Disadvantages of Peat Over Perlite

Not eco-friendly as it has to be mined from the ground which disrupts the environment
Lets off an acidic pH which can be damaging depending on which plants you are growing
It may not be as affordable given the recovery process

Advantages Of Adding Peat to Your Garden

Peat has long been great for helping to keep moisture in the soil
Despite the fact that it needs to be mined, peat is actually biodegradable
Greatly improves soil quality by improving fertility
Peat can be added to any soil mix and this, in turn, can be used to grow any plant, vegetable, and fruit

Can You Use Styrofoam Instead of Perlite? Here’s the Truth!

The question of using styrofoam as a substitute for perlite has long been a debate. Some people approve while others are appalled at the thought!

Styrofoam is not organic, differs in water holding potential, and compacts after time. However, styrofoam does improve drainage and can be long-lasting.

The biggest reason why people are reluctant to use styrofoam is the fact that it is light enough to be blown away. Also, it is literally plastic since it does not decompose and has no way of being recycled. Meaning it is just polluting your soil!

The choice is yours to use Styrofoam instead of Perlite, but also think of the consequences!

Conclusion

If you don’t have access to perlite, you may instantly think what’s the next best alternative? There are actually many alternatives, these are 15 alternatives to using perlite for the garden.

Pumice
Granite gravel
Sand
Horticultural grit
Rice husks
Vermiculite
Bark
Coconut Husks or Coir
Cat litter
Calcined clay
Poultry grit
Clay pebbles
Crushed shell
Cactus mix with pea gravel
Peat

Judging by what you are growing with it, you can weigh the pros and cons and choose which one will suit your garden best.