Black Gold 1390102 4-Quart Perlite Soil As a soil conditioner perlite is used to improve aeration and drainage along with nutrient and moisture retention Its moisture and nutrient retention capabilities and lightweight characteristics make it an excellent sterile medium for starting seeds and rooting cuttings Perlite does not degrade in time, making it a long term answer to many gardening problems Use for starting seed, rooting cuttings, or storing bulbs Also a necessary ingredient for making hypertufa planters