One such material is Styrofoam. … According to many experienced gardeners, Styrofoam can be used instead of perlite. However, it must be the correct kind of Styrofoam, and there are serious environmental considerations to take into account.

Is perlite a Styrofoam?

Myth #2: Styrofoam Helps Keep Soil Loose and Aerated The white, foam-like balls in your potting soil are there to help keep soil loose and aerated, but they are most commonly made from a naturally occurring volcanic glass known as perlite. … Unlike Styrofoam, the perlite beads decompose naturally over time.

What is perlite material?

Perlite is made from a mined volcanic glass of the same name. As a raw material it contains water, trapped by the rapid cooling of lava. The moisture vaporizes explosively when heat is applied. … It is easy to mix your own, but make sure you buy horticultural-grade vermiculite and perlite.