Why is Raw Vermiculite Better?

28 Jul.,2025

 

Vermiculite, why, what & how - Sybotanica

Vermiculite! This soil additive is worth its weight in gold when used correctly. From seed germination to water retention, learn more about this interesting mineral

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Why use vermiculite?

Advantages

  • Improves drainage
  • Improves aeration
  • Improves water/nutrient retention & spreads it around the soil evenly
  • Incredibly versatile 

 Disadvantages

  • Holds more water than its counterpart, perlite, which can increase the risk of root rot for plants with more sensitive root system

What is vermiculite?

Vermiculite is an inert, inorganic mineral. It is mined worldwide, in places like Russia, Australia, Brazil, and the USA. Like perlite, it is made by heating the raw vermiculite. This causes it to expand and become porous.

How to use vermiculite

Vermiculite as a soil additive

Vermiculite is best as a soil additive for moisture-loving plants, like Alocasia. 

Vermiculite as a seed germination medium

Vermiculite retains moisture and distributes it evenly throughout a container. This makes it a great seed starter. 

Vermiculite to store roots & bulbs

Vermiculite is a great tool to store bulbs from plants, like Caladiums and Stephanias. The vermiculite keeps the temperature and moisture stable. It also blocks harsh light that could scorch the bulbs. 

Vermiculite as a mushroom-growing substrate

Vermiculite is often used in the mushroom-growing space as a substrate.

Vermiculite v.s. perlite

While both are inorganic, inert, and lightweight. There are a couple of differences between the two. Simply put, vermiculite holds more water and has a slightly higher PH than perlite. For most plants, perlite is best. But, for water-loving plants like the Alocasia, vermiculite is better. You can read more on perlite here. Vermiculite is not dusty. Unlike perlite, it poses no danger of inhaling its particles. 

Raw Vermiculite ( Glowing Embers ) - Neuex

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100% non-expanded, Natural Vermiculite, a mineral sourced from Africa.

Our African Vermiculite is Superior to Chinese Sources : Guaranteed Asbestos Free 

Raw vermiculite glows identically to embers of hot wood, ebbing and flowing light and heat. Vermiculite contains crystalline water trapped for millennia; in the presence of high heat, it escapes under pressure, giving the unmistaken snap, and crackle for the first few minutes.

It will continue to glow in your fireplace for many cycles without breakdown down due to heat.
Vermiculite can withstand temperatures around Celsius.

Please ensure that the Vermiculite is very close to the source of heat. It needs to reach several hundred degrees to expand.



Raw Vermiculite can be converted into Horticultural Vermiculite, Horticultural vermiculite is a lightweight, natural mineral that helps provide aeration, drainage and insulation for your soil.

 Vermiculite is Ideal forOutdoor Gardening,Potted Plants andMushroom Mycology. -PromotesFaster Growth and Quick Anchorage for Young Roots.
-Vermiculite EffectivelyHolds Moisture and Nutrients -Improves Soil Aeration, Allowing More Effective Gas Exchange - Can be Used inMushroom Substrate, Vermiculite is theV in CVG Mix. -Topping Soil with Vermiculite Provides aUnique Mulch that Holds in Moisture -Vermiculite is a Staple Product in Any Garden or Growing Situation

 Instructions for Glowing Embers 

Start with 2-4 oz ( small handful ) placed near and around the gas outlet holes in the bottom of your gas fireplace; underneath the logs. It will expand by at least 8x its original volume and fill out the space.

*Gas fireplaces with more outlets will provide best result. The material must be near direct flame.

Instructions for Horticulture Vermiculite 

Raw Vermiculite can be expanded into Horticulture Vermiculite in the oven.

Simply add one flat layer of Raw Vermiculite to a baking pan and bake 500-600F for 10-14 mins; or until the flakes stop moving from expansion.
This can also be achieved with other forms of heat, such as a fireplace or propane torch. Temperatures above F provide the most complete expansion.

TIPS

Add it to soil to keep it moist, loose and balance pH naturally.

Horticulture vermiculite can also be used as a soil topper to provide a golden look and lock in moisture.

** Due to the raw nature of the product, there may be a minimal amount of small rocks and vegetation mixed in. We do our best to remove these pieces, and add extra vermiculite to the bags to make up for lost weight.