I use perlite in my growing pots, but wouldn't use it in a "finished" or
exhibit one. It's very white (although it will turn green if you water a
lot), and does float to the surface.
I use a mix of yard dirt (I live in Florida so it's mostly sand), top soil,
and perlite for my portulacaria's, holly, and junipers. I use more perlite
in the junipers since they like a fast draining soil. The nice thing about
perlite is it makes the pots easier to pick up and carry! I found one way to
avoid the floating problem is to top dress the soil with gravel or broken
pieces of clay pots, then the perlite isn't visible. My cuttings love soil
with perlite and it gives neat root structures....

From:
Reply-To:
To:
Subject: [IBC] Perlite & Vermiculite
Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 11:08:47 EDT

I would not use either one in bonsai soil.
Iris

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