Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is often placed in potting soil to enhance a plant’s growth by boosting aeration while encouraging water drainage. Not unlike perlite, vermiculite adds a plethora of nutrients to the plant, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. This mineral looks like specks of grey and can easily contain large quantities of air and water.
The nutrients, water, and air present in vermiculite are periodically released to the potted plant. This mineral is non-toxic and completely clean. It is also permanent and sterile, which means that it will not become moldy, rot, or deteriorate. Nurserymen often combine vermiculite with compost and peat to promote root growth. Because it provides excellent anchorage for younger roots, vermiculite is also favored in the square foot gardening system.
In some cases, it is possible to use vermiculite to cover new seeds in either pots or trays to protect them from the elements. The seeds will manage to push their way to the top as they grow. The seeds can also leech nutrients from the vermiculite, a process that consequently boosts growth.
Vermiculite is an excellent addition to flower arrangements because it helps keep the cuttings fresh.