Want Stronger Root Growth? Should You Add Brunnings Perlite to Your Soil?

March 31, 2025

Why Perlite Might Just Be the Secret Ingredient Your Garden's Been Missing

So, you've finally got a bit of space out the back to play with, a burst of inspiration from a walk around your neighbourhood, or maybe you've just had a scroll through a gorgeous feed full of leafy greens and thriving tomato vines. Either way, the gardening itch has hit — and you’re standing there with a handful of seedlings, wondering how the heck to keep them alive, let alone get them going strong from the roots up.

Here’s a little secret every green thumb (even the fresh ones) should know: roots don’t like soggy feet. They love a good drink but, give them too much, and they basically hold a sit-in and stop growing. That’s why getting your soil just right is like giving your plants the comfiest bed they've ever known. And guess what helps make that happen? A trusty bag of Brunnings Perlite.

What on Earth is Perlite Anyway?

Imagine popping popcorn, but instead of corn kernels, it’s volcanic rock. Yep — that’s perlite. It’s a naturally occurring mineral that’s puffed up under extreme heat into lightweight, fluffy white bits that look kinda like styrofoam but are a whole lot better for your plants. When you mix it through your soil, you’re not just fluffing things up, you’re creating little pockets of air where water can pass through but not hang around too long and drown your roots in one sad soggy mess.

The version from Brunnings is clean, sterile, and ready to go. No need to fuss about bacteria or weird compost smells either. It's ideal whether you're setting up tiny seedlings in propagation trays or repotting that peace lily that's outgrown yet another pot. It’s one of those simple add-ins that delivers more than you expect. A bit like salt in cooking — unglamorous maybe, but oh so magical.

The Real-World Benefits: Root First, Results Later

Let’s talk about roots. Not the stuff you yank out from cracks in the pavement — I mean the start of everything good in a garden. Strong root systems mean plants that grow better, resist pests, and need less babysitting. Beginner or not, that’s the dream, right?

Adding a bit of perlite to your potting or garden mix can bring you:

Better Aeration: Those little white pieces help create breathing space for roots, which need oxygen almost as much as they need water.
Smarter Water Use: Water slips through the gaps in the mix, hanging out just long enough for the roots to take a drink. No puddles. No panic.
Stress-Free Repotting: It’s so light — no aching arms after dragging heavy pots around! That’s a win if, like me, you sometimes forget you’re not a superhero.

When Should You Use It?

You don’t need a lab coat or a gardening degree to start using perlite — promise. A handful stirred into your regular potting mix can give it a boost for just about any plant. But it really shines when:

You’re raising seedlings or starting cuttings and need something gentle and fluffy
Your garden beds have clay-heavy soil and you're noticing pooling water (bad sign!)
You keep killing houseplants by overwatering — you’re not alone!

For propagation mixes, perlite is often paired with a bit of coco coir or peat. This mimics the balance nature intended: airy enough for young roots to push through, moist enough to give them a gentle start. In regular garden soil, just work a scoop or two into each planting hole or into the garden bed before sowing.

What Beginner Gardeners Love Most

Maybe it sounds small, but learning one new trick that works can be a complete confidence booster. I’ve seen new gardeners walk out of the shop with just a bag of Brunnings Perlite, a smile, and a big ‘Thanks, I felt a bit lost before!’. And just like that — they were on their way.

So much of early gardening success comes down to preparation, especially when it comes to soil. You wouldn’t build your dream house on soggy ground, right? Same goes with your garden. Give your plants those airy pockets beneath the surface and you’ll see what a difference it makes.

Let’s Get Growing

If your garden beds have been stubborn, your pots have been flooding, or your peace lily looks like it’s given up, maybe it’s time to refresh the mix. Something as simple as adding perlite can quietly fix those sneaky issues you didn’t even know were stopping your plants from taking off.

That change you’re after — more leaves, healthier blooms, and fewer plant “mysteries” — it starts beneath the surface. Trusted by growers and easy for beginners, Brunnings Perlite might be just what your garden mix is missing.

Pop in and we’ll show you how to mix it in, fuss-free. You’ve got this. And we’ll be right here to help each step of the way 🌱

See you soon in-store or online — and happy planting!

Warm dirt wishes,
Candeece