Vermiculite at the Bottom of the Pot

Lysemith, Lowkey

Well-Known Member
I may take some criticism for saying this, but it is a myth that rocks, perlite or any other stuff at the bottom of the pot improves drainage. Putting stuff in the bottom of the pot only reduces the amount of space for your roots. Rocks or perlite do not suck the water out of soil-- the soil will continue to hold just as much water regardless of the material under it. In fact, changing mediums within the pot only slows water movement.

http://puyallup.wsu.edu/~linda chalker-scott/Horticultural Myths_files/Myths/Container drainage.pdf
What if slowed water movement (transpiration) is the goal?
 

Nitegazer

Well-Known Member
I can understand why increased water retention would be a goal, but not slowed water movement-- slowed water movement = waterlogged soil, IMO.
 
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