Question about Perlite size.

[davidwood]

I have over the last few months been able to get Perlite here in Vietnam and have been very pleased since adding it to my potting mix, whenever I have had to pot up I can see big thick strong white roots and am getting better results with my cv's.
 The problem I have is that I have run out and now when I have gone to get more they only have a smaller size Perlite, I was using 4mill and now they only have 2mill, having no experience of Perlite other than getting good results with the bigger one I need to know will I get the same results with the smaller size. The guy in Saigon says he may have the bigger size in 2 months but I need some now.

So if anyone makes up there own potting mix do they know if the size of the Perlite makes a difference, I know it may seem an odd question but you read allot about getting things right in the pot, air ratio water retension and drainage etc and with the 4mill Perlite I seem to have struck lucky, now I worry will the 2mill be the same. thanks.

[Charlie]

David, the perlite sold here for horticultural use is mixed size, the pieces going from very small to fairly large. I think the small size is a lot better than not using any but you will have to try it out and see. One caution about using perlite is to avoid breathing the dust. It is a non-toxic substance but the dust is not good for your lungs. Wet it to lower the dust level but also if possible use a dust mask of the type painters use while mixing it into the soil.

Charlie