{"product_id":"vermiculite-100l-grade-3-hydroponic-growing-medium-australia","title":"Vermiculite 100L Grade 3 | Hydroponic \u0026 Seed Raising Medium Australia","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVermiculite 100L Grade 3. High Water-Retention Hydroponic and Propagation Medium (Coarse Grade)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVermiculite 100L Grade 3 is a thermally exfoliated mineral growing medium engineered for maximum water retention, nutrient buffering, and seedling stability. Sourced from Northern Australia, this coarse Grade 3 vermiculite provides a sterile, lightweight, and pH-stable environment ideal for seed germination, propagation, hydroponics, and soil conditioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike fast-draining media, vermiculite is designed to retain moisture and nutrients within its layered mineral structure, making it highly effective for early-stage plant development and moisture-sensitive crops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100L Bulk Format.\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideal for propagation, nurseries, and custom substrate blending at scale.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade 3 Coarse Structure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Balanced aeration and moisture retention for seedlings and established plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh Water-Holding Capacity.\u003c\/strong\u003e Retains 3 to 4 times its weight in water, maintaining consistent hydration between irrigations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutrient Buffering (High CEC).\u003c\/strong\u003e Retains positively charged nutrients and releases them gradually, reducing feeding fluctuations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSterile and pH Stable.\u003c\/strong\u003e Safe for hydroponics and seedlings. No pre-treatment required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLightweight and Easy to Use.\u003c\/strong\u003e Low handling fatigue across large propagation and blending workflows.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-Toxic and Contaminant-Free.\u003c\/strong\u003e Pathogen-free mineral with no chemical additives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAustralian Sourced.\u003c\/strong\u003e Mined from Northern Australia for consistent quality and grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow It Works\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVermiculite optimises three critical root zone parameters. Water retention: the layered mineral structure absorbs and holds water, ensuring consistent hydration between irrigation cycles without oversaturation. Nutrient buffering: high cation exchange capacity (CEC) retains positively charged nutrients and releases them gradually, reducing nutrient loss and fluctuation. Root support: the soft, stable structure provides an ideal environment for delicate seedling roots and early-stage root development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is higher germination rates, stronger root systems, and stable early growth with reduced grower intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003epH and Buffering Considerations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVermiculite is naturally near-neutral to slightly alkaline, typically pH 6.5 to 7.5, and does not require buffering like coco coir. For optimal results in hydroponic and propagation systems, adjust nutrient solution to pH 5.5 to 5.8 for ideal nutrient uptake. Monitor runoff, as vermiculite can slightly raise pH over time. This makes it a stable, forgiving medium while still allowing precise control via nutrient inputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Vermiculite Solves Common Growing Problems\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeedlings Drying Out Too Fast.\u003c\/strong\u003e Low moisture retention in coarse media causes rapid drying. Vermiculite holds 3 to 4 times its weight in water, maintaining consistent hydration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePoor Germination Rates.\u003c\/strong\u003e Inconsistent moisture and temperature reduce strike rates. Vermiculite provides a stable, moisture-rich microclimate for seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNutrient Leaching.\u003c\/strong\u003e Inert media cannot hold nutrients between feeds. Vermiculite's high CEC retains and releases nutrients gradually, reducing waste and deficiency risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFast-Draining Media Causing Stress.\u003c\/strong\u003e Excess aeration without moisture balance stresses young plants. Vermiculite balances moisture retention with adequate airflow for the root zone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVermiculite vs Other Growing Media\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs Perlite.\u003c\/strong\u003e Perlite drains rapidly. Vermiculite retains moisture longer, making it better suited for seed starting and propagation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs Coco Coir.\u003c\/strong\u003e Coco balances air and water. Vermiculite maximises water retention, making it better for early-stage plant development.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs Soil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Soil is inconsistent and can carry pathogens. Vermiculite is sterile and uniform, producing more predictable germination results.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003evs Rockwool.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rockwool is fully inert. Vermiculite provides nutrient buffering via CEC, making it more forgiving for nutrient management.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSystem Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrade 3 coarse particle size for balanced aeration and moisture retention\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSterile and pH stable. No buffering required before use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh CEC for gradual nutrient release between feeds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLightweight and reusable across multiple propagation cycles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for blending with perlite, coco, or soil for custom substrate ratios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eApplications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeed Germination Trays\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePropagation and Cloning Systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHydroponic Blended Media (Coco + Perlite + Vermiculite)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil Conditioning and Potting Mix Amendment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreenhouse Production Systems\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNursery and Large-Scale Propagation Runs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndoor Plant Moisture Management\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom Substrate Blending\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat Sets It Apart\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 100L Grade 3 format is the most cost-efficient option for propagation-focused growers and nurseries. Grade 3 coarse vermiculite sits in the optimal particle size range for balancing moisture retention with adequate airflow, making it suitable for both standalone propagation use and blending applications. Mixed with perlite at a 50\/50 ratio, it creates a highly effective propagation medium that retains moisture while preventing waterlogging. The 100L volume reduces cost per litre, minimises reorder frequency, and provides enough material for large propagation runs or multiple grow cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Bought Together\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete your propagation setup with these compatible products from the Apex Grow range:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/jbs-propagation-lid-hydroponic-cloning-dome-australia\"\u003eJB's Propagation Lid. Self-Dripping Hydroponic Cloning Dome\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/homebox-ambient-r80s-grow-tent\"\u003eHOMEbox Ambient R80S. Propagation Grow Tent 80x60x70cm\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/sanlight-flex-ii-led-propagation-light-seedlings-clones-australia\"\u003eSANlight FLEX II Set. LED Propagation Light Bars for Seedlings and Clones\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial.\u003c\/strong\u003e Thermally Exfoliated Vermiculite Mineral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade.\u003c\/strong\u003e Grade 3 (Coarse)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVolume.\u003c\/strong\u003e 100 Litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin.\u003c\/strong\u003e Northern Australia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStructure.\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightweight Layered Mineral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunction.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water Retention and Nutrient Buffering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Retention.\u003c\/strong\u003e Very High (3 to 4x Weight)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAeration.\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range.\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5 to 7.5 (Naturally Occurring)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCEC.\u003c\/strong\u003e High (Nutrient Holding Capacity)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication.\u003c\/strong\u003e Hydroponics, Propagation, Seed Starting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse Case.\u003c\/strong\u003e Moisture Control, Germination, Media Blending\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Weight.\u003c\/strong\u003e Approx. 12kg\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need to prepare Vermiculite 100L Grade 3 before using it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCoco coir products including Vermiculite 100L Grade 3 should be pre-buffered with a calcium-magnesium solution before use to prevent cation exchange issues that cause nutrient lockout. Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) should be thoroughly rinsed and soaked in pH-adjusted water before planting to remove dust and stabilise pH. Rockwool should be pre-soaked in pH 5.5 water for 24 hours before use to lower its naturally alkaline pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I reuse Vermiculite 100L Grade 3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInert media such as expanded clay pebbles can be sterilised and reused multiple times. Rinse thoroughly, soak in a 10% bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution, rinse again with clean water, and re-buffer before reuse. Coco coir can be reused for 2–3 grows if properly maintained and sterilised between cycles. Rockwool is typically single-use in commercial applications but can be reused in home setups with thorough cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat nutrient solution pH should I use with Vermiculite 100L Grade 3?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTarget pH 5.8–6.2 for coco and hydro inert media. Soil users should target 6.0–6.5. Maintaining pH within the optimal range ensures all macro and micronutrients remain soluble and available to plant roots. Use a calibrated pH pen and adjust with pH Up or pH Down solution as needed after mixing your nutrient solution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Vermiculite 100L Grade 3 ship fast within Australia?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes — Vermiculite 100L Grade 3 ships from our Australian warehouse with fast tracked delivery Australia-wide. Most east coast orders arrive within 2–5 business days. WA, NT, and TAS orders typically arrive within 5–12 business days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Generic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43210869276735,"sku":null,"price":74.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/6898\/8479\/files\/vermiculite_1000x1000_Grey-copy-5-600x600.png?v=1777806735","url":"https:\/\/apexgrow.com.au\/products\/vermiculite-100l-grade-3-hydroponic-growing-medium-australia","provider":"Apex Grow","version":"1.0","type":"link"}