Substrate substitution??

[zeonczk]

1. Can vermiculite be substitute for perlite as i have alot of vermiculite on hand??
2. Can coco peat be used as a substitute for peat moss??

[edwardyeeks]

vermiculite has more minerals than perlite, so it's not really suitable for sarras, droseras, VFTs.....but you can use it on neps.

As for coco peat, I've never used it before, but most members here have, so I think it's acceptable.

[zeonczk]

Originally Posted by edwardyeeks

vermiculite has more minerals than perlite, so it's not really suitable for sarras, droseras, VFTs.....but you can use it on neps.

As for coco peat, I've never used it before, but most members here have, so I think it's acceptable.

Thanks alot ya.. =)

[strath76]

I have used vermiculite on all species without any problems. It doesn't last as long as perlite and I have found that the drainage/aeration of the potting mix isn't quite as good. It also breaks down in the mix faster so will lead to repotting more often.

As for coco peat it should not be used for most CP's as it generally contains salt that leads to the death of most CP's. Nep's tend to be more salt tolerant than other species but still don't like a lot of salt.