Perlite Is the Secret to Improving Soil Drainage—Here's How to Use It in Your Garden Perlite's properties make it great for soil drainage, aeration, and healthy plant growth.

Perlite is better for propagating plants, since it's more lightweight, says Jabbour. However, she uses vermiculite for seed starting, as this mineral is easier to add to the soil surface.

There are a whole class of additives, including perlite, that can help create air pockets in your soil. Knowing which to choose, and when to use them, is critical.

We spoke with gardening experts to learn the differences between vermiculite and perlite—and how to use each to boost your soil quality.

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Because perlite is improves soil draining, plants that prefer damp environments (ferns, mosses, certain tropical plants) should not be potted or planted using perlite in the soil mix, says Mcclure.