New Grower Cheap Effective Way To Reduce R.H.

[n00b]

I recently discovered that a 1/4" top layer of vermiculite or perlite decreases the speed of evaporation through soil, reducing relative humidity 6-8% in my small cabinet. I can also wait an extra day between watering. I do full strength twice then plain water once so there's plenty of nutes to eat up during that extra day. There's the added benefit of killing most larvae that may be living in your soil.

Question: Do our experts see any potential issues from doing this?

 

[bolio]

bump for a fresh idea. i got an up coming project and i think i will try this if there is no overwhelming voice against the idea.

 

[Dr Who]

A gravel mulch layer would probably achieve the same kind of result without the dust issue that might be associated with vermiculite or pearlite when it dries

 

[n00b]

I rinse before I use them and haven't had any dust issues [emoji2]

 

[Renaissance Redneck]

My only concern would be having such a moist layer on top of the warmest part of your soil profile.
I've never tried it, but I would keep an eye peeled for fungus gnats or possible mold/fungi growth in that layer.
Just a thought.:dunno:

 

[n00b]

The perlite layer doesn't feel moist at all an hour or two after watering. It just goes to show that 1/3 of the water was evaporating through the soil without the perlite. As long as you still allow a dry period there shouldn't be any adverse effects that I can see. I've taken up some of the perlite and the soil looks normal underneath with no weird stuff or smells going on.

 

[Renaissance Redneck]

Are you using perlite, or vermeculite? Two entirely different critters...

 

[n00b]

I used perlite. I think verm should have the same effect but could be wrong..