How Much Perlite to Add to Soil for Pothos?

Last Updated on October 11, 2023

If you’re growing pothos in soil, you’ll need to add perlite to the mix. Perlite is a lightweight volcanic rock that helps aerate the soil and prevents compaction. It also aids in drainage and keeps roots healthy. So how much perlite should you add to your pothos potting mix?

A general rule of thumb is to use 1 part perlite to 2 parts soil. So if you’re using a 10″ pot, you would need 5 cups of perlite and 10 cups of soil.

Of course, it’s always best to start with less perlite and then add more if needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s mixed in!

Can I Use Tropical Soil for Pothos

Well, the answer isn’t quite so simple. While tropical soil can certainly be used for pothos plants, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, not all tropical soils are created equal.

Some types of soil may be too dense or compacted for pothos roots to penetrate, which can lead to problems with growth and water uptake.

Additionally, some soils may be too high in organic matter or nutrients, which can burn the delicate roots of your pothos plant.

To avoid these potential problems, it’s best to use a light and airy potting mix specifically designed for epiphytic plants like pothos.

These mixes typically contain ingredients like sphagnum moss and perlite, which help aerate the root zone and prevent compaction. If you can’t find a potting mix specifically for epiphytes, you can also make your own by mixing together equal parts peat moss, bark chips, and perlite.

Whichever mix you choose, just make sure it drains well to avoid soggy conditions that could lead to rot.

With proper care, your pothos plant will thrive regardless of what type of soil you use. Just remember to give it plenty of bright indirect light, water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and fertilize every couple of months during the growing season.

Conclusion

If you’re growing pothos in soil, you’ll need to add perlite to the mix. Perlite is a lightweight material that helps aerate the soil and improve drainage. It also prevents compaction, which can lead to root rot.

Add 2 parts perlite to 1 part soil by volume. So if you’re using a 10-quart pot, you would mix together 2 quarts of perlite with 1 quart of soil.

FAQs

Is Perlite Good for Pothos?

Perlite is a good growing medium for pothos because it is lightweight, well-aerated, and does not hold onto water. Perlite can help to prevent root rot, which is a common problem with pothos plants. The white color of perlite also allows for better light reflectivity, which can benefit the plant.

How Much Perlite Do I Put in a Potted Plant?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of perlite you’ll need to add to a potted plant will depend on the size and type of plant you’re potting, as well as the type of potting mix you’re using.

However, as a general rule of thumb, you should add around 1/4 cup of perlite for every gallon (4 liters) of potting mix.

How Much Perlite Should I Add?

Perlite is a lightweight, sterile growing medium that is commonly used in horticulture. It has a wide range of applications, from seed germination to hydroponics. Perlite can be used on its own or mixed with other media, such as vermiculite or coco coir.

The amount of perlite you should add to your Growing Media will depend on the application and desired results.

For example, if you are using perlite for seed germination, you will need less perlite than if you are using it for drainage in a potted plant. As a general rule of thumb, use 2-5% perlite by volume for most horticultural applications.

How Much Perlite Do I Add to Potting Mix for Indoor Plants?

The amount of perlite you add to your potting mix will depend on the type of plants you are growing and the size of the pots. For most plants, a 1:1 ratio of perlite to potting mix is a good starting point.

For larger pots or plants that require more drainage, you can increase the amount of perlite in the mix. Conversely, for smaller pots or plants that don’t need as much drainage, you can reduce the amount of perlite.