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Hypertufa, an anthropic rock (prepared, tailored, moved by man), is composed of various aggregates or components adhered together by Portland cement. It is designed as alternative to natural tufa in growing plants. Among the different components used to make hypertufa is perlite. Perlite generally refers to siliceous (containing silicon) rocks that naturally occur. The characteristic of perlite, which makes it unique among other volcanic glasses, is that when perlite is suitably heated within the softening range, its original volume can expand from four up to twenty times more. This is possible because water expands very quickly inside the perlite. The result of heating is a puffy, white material. Such attribute of perlite makes it quite light and suitable to be used in the garden. Perlite offers different beneficial properties and uses. It is inorganic and inert; has no known toxicity and fire hazard; improves aeration; is durable; stimulates initiation of the root, serves as insulation; holds moisture without being soggy; is free from plant pests and diseases. Across nations, perlite is mined and also expanded. The largest producer and user of perlite (both expanded and crude) is the United States. Other countries that produce perlite on a large scale are Greece, China, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Armenia and Germany. Two kinds of perlite are available in the market: fine and coarse. Perlite that is course in texture is mostly used by the gardeners. The fine variant, on the other hand, is powder-like. Essentially, perlite adds drainage quality in the potting soil. This lightweight material makes the hypertufa recipe additionally bulky, yet not very heavy. The resulting hypertufa also has a coarse finish through the perlite. Perlite can be readily found in: Home centers and garden shops. You can check out the major garden centers in your vicinity. Take note of the word major. Smaller shops and stores may not offer or have perlite, but larger stores may offer them. Large chain stores. These stores may serve like an all-in-one shop where most of the things you need, regardless of what category or subject of interest may be found, like gardening materials. Home Depot and Wal-Mart are examples of these chain stores that may offer perlite. It may be possible that these stores will offer vermiculite, rather than perlite. You have to assess whether you really can substitute vermiculite for perlite. Vermiculite is a mineral that often contains asbestos and other impurities. The procedures for making vermiculite also produce fibers that are dangerous if inhaled. Online sites. You can also search for websites that offer and sell perlite. Check out if the store you found is indeed reputable. Research first about the quality of perlite offered before buying. You have to ensure that you will get pure perlite, without the necessary fillers. Agricultural extensions. There might be extensions in your locality that are supported by agricultural universities. These extensions usually offer free of charge assistance to the gardening public. You may ask help from their staff concerning where you might be able to locate and purchase the perlite you need in planting and making hypertufa. Find out how to create your own hypertufa garden objects with The Hypertufa How-To Manual. A similar material on planting with no soil is Growing Without Soil.
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