As some of you are more used to Perlite and Peat Moss than I am, the doubts are:
1-) As Peat is acidic (pH 4.8~5.5) and Perlite is neutral (pH 7~7.5), will Perlite mixed to Peat moss really bring up the mix pH?
2-) Is it wise to use pure Perlite as a growing medium?

Thanks in advance.

So frustrated...
Almost losing faith.
But in the meantime...
www.just4growers.com/stream/growing-medi...owing-media-101.aspx

Hey Clicio
I can't answer the first question. But I've used perlite and peat moss in some of my mixes in the spring and I must say, I'm not a fan of perlite. I will not use it again, i think there are better alternatives. What are your thoughts on using pure perlite?

Hansen wrote: I will not use it again, i think there are better alternatives.

Thanks, Hansen.
Yes, alternatives like pumice, which is impossible to purchase in Brazil...
What were your problems with perlite? Lightness of the material? The fact that it floats to the top of the mix?

Hansen wrote: What are your thoughts on using pure perlite?

Many people use pure perlite or in a mix with vermiculite to grow cuttings, and they say it works wonders for them. I want to mix it with peat moss as they go well together and use the mix for azaleas and camellias who are fond of acidic soils.

Clicio wrote: What were your problems with perlite? Lightness of the material? The fact that it floats to the top of the mix?

Yes that are exactly the problems i had with perlite. Also the price here in Denmark. 8L perlite cost 10 euro. 30L pumice or akadama cost 15 euro. But if you have problems buying alternatives to perlite, then perlite will work fine in a mix with peat moss. But I would still mix perlite with vermiculite, instead of using pure perlite for cuttings etc. You can perhaps buy a small bag of perlite and see how it works?

In my novice opinion, Perlite is too light and dusty so it is extra work to sift it and deal with the fines so I switched to pumice and lava rock. Perlite gets crushed too easily IMHO so you end up losing some to dust which offsets the cost saving vs lava or pumice.