Ausperl Expanded Perlite P500 Medium Horticultural Grade 100L

Ausperl Expanded Perlite P500 Medium: Horticultural Grade Perlite

Ausperl Expanded Perlite P500 is a medium-grade horticultural perlite used to improve aeration and drainage in growing media. Made from natural volcanic glass that's expanded with heat into a lightweight, porous material, it's added to potting mixes, seed-raising mixes and hydroponic setups to create the open, free-draining root environment that healthy plants need. It comes in 100L and 10L sizes.

The value of perlite comes down to its structure. Each lightweight granule is full of tiny air pockets, so when mixed through soil or potting media it holds air and lets excess water drain away freely. That keeps roots oxygenated and helps prevent the waterlogging and root rot that come with heavy, poorly draining mixes. The medium P500 grade is a versatile all-rounder, coarse enough for good drainage yet fine enough to blend evenly through most mixes.

Because it's an inert, sterile material, perlite is free of diseases, pests and weed seeds, making it a clean, reliable addition to any mix. It's a favourite for propagation, potting, orchids and hydroponics, and being so lightweight, it's easy to handle and won't compact down like heavier materials over time.

Key Features & Benefits

• Medium-grade horticultural perlite (P500)

• Improves aeration for healthy root growth

• Improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogging and root rot

• Lightweight and easy to mix through other media

• Sterile and inert, free of diseases, pests and weed seeds

• Doesn't compact down over time

• Versatile for potting mixes, seed raising, orchids and hydroponics

• Made from 100% natural expanded volcanic glass

• Available in 100L and 10L sizes

What to Use It For

Perlite suits a wide range of growing jobs. Blend it through potting mix to open it up and improve drainage, add it to seed-raising and propagation mixes for better aeration around delicate new roots, and use it in orchid and specialty mixes that need excellent drainage. It's also widely used on its own or blended as a growing medium in hydroponic and propagation systems. As a rough guide, adding around 10 to 30% perlite to a mix noticeably improves aeration and drainage, though you can use more for moisture-sensitive plants.

Handling Tips

Perlite is very light and can be dusty when dry, so it helps to lightly dampen it before mixing to keep dust down, and work in a ventilated spot. Mix it evenly through your media rather than leaving it in pockets, so drainage is consistent throughout. Store the bag sealed in a dry place to keep it clean and ready to use, and reseal after opening. Because it's inert, it won't break down or feed plants, so use it alongside your normal potting mix and fertiliser rather than as a standalone soil.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is perlite used for?
It's added to potting and seed-raising mixes and used in hydroponics to improve aeration and drainage, giving roots more air and preventing waterlogging.

What does the P500 medium grade mean?
It's a medium particle size, coarse enough for good drainage but fine enough to blend evenly through most mixes, making it a versatile all-rounder.

How much should I add to my mix?
As a general guide, around 10 to 30% perlite through a mix improves aeration and drainage, with more for plants that need very sharp drainage.

Is it sterile?
Yes. Perlite is an inert, sterile material, free of diseases, pests and weed seeds.

Can I use it for hydroponics?
Yes. It's widely used in hydroponic and propagation systems, on its own or blended with other media.

Where can I buy Ausperl Perlite P500 in Australia?
You can buy it from BPG Supplies (Bonnyrigg Produce & Garden Supplies) in Bonnyrigg NSW, with local pickup available and delivery Australia-wide.