Vermiculite - 1 litre
Vermiculite is a hydrated phyllosilicate from the mica family, a layered mineral that naturally contains water between its crystal layers. When the mineral is rapidly heated to around 900 degrees Celsius, a process called exfoliation, that water flashes into steam and the expanding vapour forces the layers apart. As a result, vermiculite expands up to thirty times its original volume into light, porous granules with a structure reminiscent of popcorn.
Because of this layered structure, exfoliated vermiculite acts like a mineral sponge: it can absorb three to four times its own weight in water and releases it gradually back into the surrounding environment. In mushroom cultivation, vermiculite is therefore often used as a casing layer on top of the substrate, the layer that keeps humidity around the mycelium stable and protects the substrate from drying out and from contamination by unwanted fungi or airborne spores.
Vermiculite versus perlite
Vermiculite and perlite are often mentioned in the same breath, but serve a different purpose. Vermiculite retains considerably more water and mainly works as a moisture regulator, while perlite is used for aeration and drainage and absorbs less moisture itself. Many growers therefore combine both: vermiculite as a moisture buffer, perlite to prevent the substrate from becoming too dense and oxygen-poor.
Use
Mix vermiculite into your substrate for a more airy structure, or use it as a moist casing layer a few centimetres thick on top of the substrate. Moisten the layer with water until it feels wet but no longer releases water when squeezed, and keep the layer lightly moist throughout cultivation by misting it, without saturating the substrate underneath.
Storage
Dry vermiculite is an inert mineral and remains usable almost indefinitely in a sealed pack stored in a dry place. Once moistened, it is best used within a short period to prevent mould growth from unwanted species.
Also check out our Perlite, 1 litre for anyone who wants to combine vermiculite with extra drainage, and the other growing supplies for mushroom cultivation at Dutch-Smart.
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