In seed germination or cutting rooting applications, it is important to prefer fine-structured growing media.
A fine-structured substrate increases the water retention capacity of the medium, ensuring that the necessary water for seed germination is held within the environment.
It supports the formation of proper root structures in cuttings.
Since seed germination and cutting rooting applications are generally carried out in small-volume environments, fine-structured substrates should be preferred.
For example, in growing media containing vermiculite, vermiculite has a high water retention capacity, whereas peat provides air spaces, increasing the air capacity of the medium. On the other hand, perlite and peat retain much less water than vermiculite, thus decreasing the water retention capacity and increasing air spaces when used in a substrate. Especially during the summer, media with high water retention capacity and in winter with low water retention capacity are preferred.
