Expanded horticultural perlite comes in a number of sizes, and can be screened to reduce the amount of fines or to create special blends or products. During 1994, The Perlite Institute developed a basic specification or standard for horticultural gradations of perlite (see Standard Gradations of Perlite---Fine, Medium, Coarse Defined)---although names and gradations can and do change from manufacturer to manufacturer throughout the world. Generally coarser, screened grades are used to provide more aeration and drainage in peat mixes, medium grades are used for propagation and seed mixes, and finer grades are used when both a lot of aeration and water retention are desired and for use outdoors. In hydroponic applications and 100% perlite containers, unscreened and mixed grades often are used.
The Schundler Company produces the following horticultural perlite products:
- Supercoarse Perlite: A coarse, screened grade of perlite conforming to the Perlite Institute's "coarse grade" designation. This grade is used most often in peat mixes and potting soils where a combination of aeration, drainage, and water retention is desired. Because of the coarse perlite particles, there will be more drainage and less water retention than when medium and finer grades of perlite are used.
- Choice: An unscreened, coarse grade which is ideal for most potting soils, peat mixes, and bulking applications. Provides both excellent aeration and drainage, but with much the water retention available from medium and fine grades.
- Soilac: A screened medium grade of perlite which has both the coarse particles and the fine particles screened out. Used often for propagation and seed mixes, this grade does tend to cost a little more because of the special screening involved.
- Perl-Lome: Medium and fine grades (lots of fines) carefully blended to provide the greatest amount of water retention while helping to loosen-up clay soils and prevent compaction. Ideal for gardens, lawns, landscaping, and general outdoor use. (Unfortunately, this grade is not generally available in most garden centers and retail stores.)
Our retail 1 1/2 Bushel Perlite bag. - Standard Packaging of Schundler Horticultural Perlite:
- Regular Bags (a nominal 4-CF poly bag):
- Super Coarse Perlite
- Choice Perlite:
- Soilac Perlite:
- Perl-Lome Perlite
- Large Bags (a nominal 6-CF poly bag):
- Supercoarse Perlite:
- Choice Perlite:
- Perl-Lome Perlite:
- Retail Packages:
- 4 Quart Perlite:
- 1/2 Bushel Perlite:
- 1 1/2 Bushel Perlite:
- Bulk Shipments:
- Super Sacks (Jumbo Bags) of 40-45 CF are available upon request.
- Enclosed or open dump trailers with covers can be filled upon request.
- Regular Bags (a nominal 4-CF poly bag):
