Perlite p500 coarse
Perlite is the generic name for naturally occurring siliceous volcanic rock.
Our supplier operates their own quarry, in the central North Island of New Zealand as well as importing perlite ore for specific applications from Turkey, Greece and the USA.
The expansion process is caused by the presence of water in the crude rock. When perlite ore is rapidly heated to above 850°c this water vaporises and causes the softened rock to expand. Tiny glass-like bubbles are produced which account for the lightweight and exceptional physical properties of expanded perlite.
So why use Perlite?
Perlite is a natural filtration system, allowing excess water to easily drain away while retaining a little moisture and catching nutrients that plants need to grow. This is especially true in raised beds and container gardens, but also in the ground as well.
Airflow in the soil is greatly improved in a bed amended with perlite, and that’s necessary both for your plant’s roots to breathe and for any worms, beneficial nematodes, and other good natural garden inhabitants. Because it’s a mineral glass and thus harder than the soil around it, it also helps to slow down compaction, and keeps your soil fluffy and lightweight.
What Type of Perlite to Use
People often ask whether you should use coarse perlite as opposed to medium or fine-grade. Coarse perlite has the highest air porosity, so it offers the most drainage capability and ensures the roots of your plants can breathe well. It’s popular among people who grow orchids and succulents, and also people who do a lot of container gardening, as it provides excellent drainage, but the coarser bits don’t work their way to the surface of the soil blend as much as fine perlite does. Larger perlite is also less prone to being caught by a breeze and blown away!
Festive Season Delivery Notice
Our final hand deliveries will be made on 23 December 2025.
The cut-off date for all shipped orders is 15 December 2025.
Any purchases made after these dates will be held until 5 January 2026, when orders will be processed and dispatched.
Thank you for your understanding and support over the holiday season!
Sydney Hand Delivery
We personally deliver your plants across Sydney, Tuesday to Friday, from 7:00am to 6:00pm to ensure they arrive fresh and vibrant.
Delivery timeframe: 1 to 3 business days (excluding public holidays).
Same Day Delivery
Available Tuesday to Friday for orders over $120 placed before 12pm within 4 km.
Delivery by 5:00pm for a $20 fee.
Local Delivery (Within 2 km)
Free for orders over $60.
Not available for orders under $60.
Inner Sydney (Within 10 km)
Free delivery on orders $120+.
$30 delivery fee on orders below $120.
Sydney Delivery (Within 15 km)
Free delivery on orders $140+.
$40 delivery fee on orders below $140.
Sydney Metro Delivery (Within 25 km)
Free delivery on orders $500+.
$70 delivery fee on orders below $500.
Free delivery thresholds apply to the total after discounts.
If you're not home, we’ll leave your order in a safe place if possible. Otherwise, it will be returned to our Newtown studio for collection or redelivery (fee applies). Please provide any delivery instructions for our drivers to help keep your plants safe.
National Courier Shipping
We ship across most of Australia with AusPost and Sendle, excluding NT, WA and TAS due to quarantine restrictions.
Free shipping on orders over $120 (after discounts), capped at $25.
No express shipping available.
Orders ship Monday to Wednesday to reduce transit time; weekend orders ship Monday.
Some items may be unavailable for shipping due to size or fragility — this will be indicated on the product page.
Shipment typically occurs within 2–4 business days after your order is placed.
Delivery timelines are determined by the courier partner.
Important Information
Customers are responsible for understanding this policy before ordering.
We cannot guarantee delivery times due to courier delays beyond our control.
Shipping fees are non-refundable; claims will be reviewed by courier partners.
If delivery instructions or permission to leave parcels are not provided, your order may be returned and redelivery fees will apply.
You will receive a confirmation email after placing your order. If you do not, please contact us at hello@plantdaddy.com.au.
Thank you for supporting Plant Daddy — we look forward to helping you grow your indoor garden!
The Plant Daddy journey began as a single Philodendron Rojo Congo in an up-cycled pot and has taken us from Newtown Markets to Manly, Moore Park and Summer Hill.
In 2020 our first store opened in Newtown just steps away from where it all started! We're located on Australia Street surrounded by some amazing food and drinks spots and other quirky stores all run by locals for locals!
The studio is an enchanting haven where your indoor botanical fantasies come alive, as we constantly refresh and replenish our sanctuary with the latest seasonal plant trends, elegant styling decor, and nurturing guidance to ensure your plants flourish
Our goal is to provide our customers with an ever-changing selection of beautiful, hand-selected indoor plants, accessories, styling and plant care with our warm and knowledgeable advice.
Our customers and community are at the core of what we do and we're here to help you bring the outdoors in.
24th September 2020
Pictured (L) Trent (R) Charlie
The Plant Daddies standing in the door of the home of Plant Daddy