Why Perlite Beats Sand for Carnivorous Plant Soil: Weight, Aeration, and Purity

Three Reasons Nurseries Prefer Perlite

1. Weight: 4 ft³ perlite = 30 lbs. 4 ft³ sand = 400 lbs. Critical for large collections.
2. Aeration: Perlite creates superior pore space.
3. Purity: Perlite is inert. "Play sand" is undefined—often beach/desert sand with salts/minerals. Only labeled silica sand is safe.

If Perlite Unavailable (Miracle-Gro Contamination)

Use small pumice: inert, good aeration, heavy but clean. Avoid vermiculite (toxic minerals).

Your play sand + peat mix is risky unless sand is confirmed silica.