Perlite is better for propagating plants, since it's more lightweight, says Jabbour. However, she uses vermiculite for seed starting, as this mineral is easier to add to the soil surface.

Perlite Is the Secret to Improving Soil Drainage—Here's How to Use It in Your Garden Perlite's properties make it great for soil drainage, aeration, and healthy plant growth.

Moisture retention: The small particles of perlite have tiny pockets that trap water and provide for moisture retention, which is incredibly important when growing plants in any type of container.

Because perlite is improves soil draining, plants that prefer damp environments (ferns, mosses, certain tropical plants) should not be potted or planted using perlite in the soil mix, says Mcclure.

With so many soil options, how do you know which will be the best for your potted plants? Once you understand what to look ...

We spoke with gardening experts to learn the differences between vermiculite and perlite—and how to use each to boost your soil quality.