Soilless growing media: exfoliated vermiculite is combined with other materials such as coco peat and perlite to produce soilless growing media for the professional horticulturalist and for the home gardener. These mixes promote faster root growth and give quick anchorage to young roots. The mixture helps retain air, plant food, and moisture, releasing them as the plant requires them. Exfoliated

"Seed germination: vermiculite, alone or mixed with soil or peat, is used to germinate seeds; very little watering is required. When vermiculite is used alone, seedlings should be fed with a weak fertilizer solution when the first true leaves appear.vermiculite is also used as a growing media for hydroponics along with perlite. Vermiculite interacts with potassium, calcium and magnesium in your soil. It also helps to raise the pH even though it's a neutral pH of 7.0."

Storing bulbs and root crops: Pour vermiculite around bulbs placed in container. If clumps are dug, allow to dry for a few hours in the sun and then place in cartons or bushel baskets and cover with vermiculite. The absorptive power of vermiculite acts as a regulator that prevents mildew and moisture fluctuation during the storage period. It will not absorb moisture from the inside of stored tubers, but it does take up free water from the outside, preventing storage rot.

As a soil conditioner: Where the native soil is heavy or sticky, gentle mixing of vermiculite - up to one-quarter the volume of the soil - is recommended. This creates air channels and allows the soil mix to breathe. Mixing vermiculite in flower and vegetable gardens or in potted plants will provide the necessary air to maintain vigorous plant growth. Where soils are sandy, mixing of vermiculite into the soil will allow the soil to hold the water and air needed for growth.

In horticulture, vermiculite is often used as a component in potting mixes to improve drainage and moisture retention. It is also used to amend soil and improve its aeration and water holding capacity. Vermiculite is particularly useful for plants that require well-draining soil, such as cacti and succulents.