Unlock the power of optimal aeration and moisture balance with Jumbo Perlite. This premium-grade, expanded volcanic rock is specifically crafted for plants that demand exceptional drainage and root oxygenation, such as aroids, orchids, and bromeliads.
When heated above 850°C, the natural rock expands into lightweight, porous granules that promote healthy root development and prevent common issues like root rot. A must-have additive for custom potting mixes, especially for exotic and epiphytic plants.
Features
Superior Aeration: Enhances air circulation around roots to encourage strong, healthy growth
Optimal Moisture Balance: Retains essential water without waterlogging the mix
Jumbo Particle Size: Perfect for plants requiring larger air pockets like orchids, bromeliads, and aroids
Lightweight and Inert: Will not compact, decompose or alter your soil's nutrient balance
Versatile Mixing Ratio: Easily blends with coir, peat, bark or other substrates in a 1:1 or custom ratio
Why You Should Buy
Jumbo Perlite is the perfect upgrade for your premium potting mixes. Whether you're growing rare aroids or vibrant orchids, this media provides unmatched air-to-water ratio to support the unique needs of tropical and epiphytic plants. Its structure encourages robust root systems while preventing soggy, dense soils that can suffocate roots. Lightweight and sterile, it's suitable for both hobbyists and commercial growers who prioritize plant health and long-term vitality.
How to Use
Measure your base mix and incorporate perlite at a 1:1 ratio for maximum aeration. Mix thoroughly to ensure uniform distribution. Ideal for repotting or upgrading existing blends for exotic plant care.
FAQs
What is “Jumbo” perlite, exactly?
It’s expanded volcanic glass graded into big, chunky granules (roughly 5–10 mm). The extra size keeps mixes ultra-airy and free-draining for plants that hate soggy roots.
Why use jumbo perlite for aroids, orchids, and bromeliads?
These plants naturally grow in airy, fast-draining conditions. Jumbo perlite creates big air pockets around roots, so you get oxygenated, quick-draining media without starving roots of moisture.
What sizes does jumbo perlite come in?
5 L, 25 L, and 100 L bags—handy for a small repot through to mix-making in bulk.
Will perlite change my soil pH or nutrient balance?
Nope. It’s inert and pH-neutral. It won’t feed your plant or steal nutrients; it just fixes structure (drainage + aeration).
What mix ratio do you recommend for aroids?
A simple starting point is 1:1 with your base (e.g., equal parts perlite and a chunky aroid base like bark/coir). Want faster dry-downs? Add more perlite. Need a touch more hold? Add more bark/coir.
What mix ratio for orchids?
For bark-grown Phals and similar, try ~30–50% jumbo perlite blended through medium bark. For very moisture-sensitive orchids, push perlite higher; for thirsty types, pull it back.
What about bromeliads?
Use it to open up any mix used for pups/offsets or pot-grown specimens—~25–40% perlite blended with bark or a coarse, low-peat mix works well.
Can I use jumbo perlite for semi-hydro or hydroponics?
Yes. Perlite is inert and works in semi-hydro set-ups or as a stand-alone propagation medium. Just feed with a complete nutrient solution.
Does perlite float?
Some granules can float on the first couple of waterings. Water gently from the sides/top, then it settles. Top-dressing with a thin layer of bark helps, too.
How do I prep jumbo perlite before use?
Tip it into a tub and give it a quick rinse to knock down dust. Optional: pre-wet with your nutrient solution so it doesn’t wick moisture out of roots on first contact.
Is jumbo perlite dusty? Do I need PPE?
Perlite dust is a nuisance dust. Use it outdoors or in a ventilated area; a simple dust mask and eye protection are smart when decanting or sifting.
Can I reuse perlite?
Yep. Shake or rinse off old mix, then sterilise (boiling water, dilute hydrogen peroxide, or an oven bake on a tray) and reuse.
How big are the particles in this “Jumbo” grade?
Irregular chunks typically around 5–10 mm—perfect for big air gaps and long-lasting structure in chunky mixes.
Will jumbo perlite compact or break down over time?
It doesn’t decompose like organics. The granules can chip if abused, but they hold structure far longer than fine grades.
How is jumbo different from “standard” fine perlite?
Fine perlite adds some air, but it can migrate and create silt. Jumbo chunks keep mixes open, resist compaction, and are easier to sift/rinse with less nuisance dust.
Perlite vs pumice—what’s the difference?
Both add air. Perlite is lighter and more available; pumice is heavier and stays put a bit more. Many growers blend them, but jumbo perlite alone is a solid upgrade for drainage.
Perlite vs LECA (clay balls)?
LECA is heavier and spherical; perlite is lighter, irregular, and wicks differently. For soil mixes, jumbo perlite integrates more evenly; for pure semi-hydro, either can work.
Can I propagate cuttings in perlite alone?
Absolutely. Perlite holds moisture/air beautifully for callusing and rooting. Keep it evenly moist and feed lightly once roots appear.
Does perlite help with fungus gnats?
It’s not a silver bullet, but a chunky, fast-drying mix with a perlite top-dress can make the surface less gnat-friendly. Combine with sticky traps or biological controls for best results.
Is jumbo perlite safe for pets and people?
It’s an inert mineral. The main caution is dust—avoid inhalation and protect eyes. Store bags away from curious pets and kids.
What plants should not get jumbo perlite?
Ultra-thirsty, peat-heavy mixes for moisture-loving species might not need this much air. If a plant wants constant wet feet, use less perlite or switch to finer grades.
Will perlite wick nutrients away from roots?
No. It doesn’t “steal” nutrients; it just changes structure. Because mixes dry faster, you may water/feed a touch more frequently—watch plant response and adjust.
How much should I add if my mix is too heavy?
Open it by 20–50% perlite by volume. If you’re in a humid, cool home, lean lower; in warm/dry rooms, you can use more without over-drying.
What’s a simple aroid mix recipe to start with?
1 part jumbo perlite, 1 part medium orchid bark, 1 part coco chips/coir. Optional: a handful of charcoal and a biological root inoculant. Tweak from there based on your watering style.
Can I top-dress with perlite?
Yes—add 1–2 cm on top to keep the surface airy and reduce capillary wetness. It’s light, so water gently.
Does jumbo perlite contain fertiliser or chemicals?
No. It’s sterile, pH-neutral, and nutrient-free. Feed plants as normal.
Will jumbo perlite improve clay soils outdoors?
It can lighten heavy mixes in pots and raised beds. For open ground, organic matter plus coarse mineral amendments (perlite/pumice/sand) is better than perlite alone.
How do I reduce floating and dust in my jumbo perlite mix?
Pre-wet the perlite, blend thoroughly with bark/coir, and water in gently. Rinsing first also drops dust dramatically.
What bag size should I buy?
Repotting a handful of houseplants? 5 L is fine. Mixing big batches or setting up semi-hydro trays? Jump to 25 L or 100 L so you’re not constantly running out.
Can I sift jumbo perlite to get only the biggest chunks?
Sure. A garden sieve or colander lets you pull out ultra-chunky pieces for top layers or very airy orchid mixes.
Will salts build up in perlite over time?
Like any inert medium, salts can accumulate from fertiliser. Periodically flush with clean water, especially in semi-hydro or high-EC programs.
Does it insulate roots or affect temperature?
Perlite doesn’t heat roots, but by keeping mixes open it helps them “breathe,” which stabilises root temps and reduces anaerobic stress.
Any tips for first-time users?
Open and mix outdoors if you can, pre-rinse, and start with 25–40% of your blend. Watch dry-down times for two weeks and tweak the ratio to your watering habits.
What’s the shelf life?
Indefinite if kept dry. Store sealed to keep dust down and contaminants out.
Is jumbo perlite suitable for self-watering pots/wicks?
Yes—perlite plays nicely in wicking systems. Just make sure the overall blend still has structure (e.g., bark + perlite) so the column doesn’t slump.
Can I blend jumbo perlite with other chunky media you sell?
Definitely. It pairs perfectly with Orchiata bark, coco chips, pumice, LECA, and our aroid or foliage-focused nutrients—mix to hit the drainage you want without starving roots.
What’s one quick upgrade for an over-wet houseplant?
Pull the plant, shake off 30–50% of the old, soggy mix, then repot into a fresh blend with at least 30% jumbo perlite. Water through once, then let it dry to your plant’s preference.
Does perlite stain or leave residue?
No. It’s clean and white—any discoloration you see over time is just algae or tannins from bark, not the perlite itself.
Will jumbo perlite crush under heavy pots?
It’s lightweight, so avoid using it as a standalone base layer under very heavy containers. Mixed into media, it holds up well.
How do I know if I need more or less perlite next time?
If the pot stays wet for days and growth is sluggish—add more. If it dries within 24 hours and leaves droop between waterings—use a little less or increase organic components.
