Which plants should avoid vermiculite?

Vermiculite holds onto moisture, and dries out some plants. If you're growing a drought-tolerant type, your plants will drown in soil amended with this water-holding mineral. They need proper drainage, or they'll drown their roots. This lesson was personally learned when I placed vermiculite into the bed of lavender. That soil retained the moisture so well (combined with excessive rain) that my plants all succumbed to root rot.

Identify moisture stress symptoms as soon as possible. Yellowing leaves are a sign of root drowning, while wilting and wet soil indicate oxygen starvation. My rosemary was showing these signs before I amended the soil. You must take action on the signs in your garden.

Alternative amendments better suit these plants. Perlite allows for drainage while preventing water retention. Coarse sand increases air to herb gardens. My cacti improved when I switched to pumice. Use amendments that most closely resemble the habitat from which you got your plants.

Climate factors play a role in selecting amendments. Mediterranean herbs will need quickly draining soil throughout the year. This does not mean that you won't have to simulate a drought for an arid plant, even if your region has high humidity levels. I adjust my desert willow soil mix seasonally. Be observant of the weather patterns in your area.

Your choices must be made in accordance with plant compatibility. Learn about the origin of species (even kinds) before making any amendments to the soils. Afterwards, note in the context of plant growth, how they responded to amendments. My garden was transformed when I changed the amendments to meet the needs of the plants. You will have grateful plants that thrive.

Read the full article: Vermiculite vs Perlite: Ultimate Comparison