Vermiculite is a super light, wood-like particle that is prepared by heating hard minerals (magnesium-aluminum-iron silicate). The process of enormous heating turns the minerals into small airy pockets that could retain moisture and provide an amiable environment for moisture-loving houseplants to grow healthily. Vermiculite comes in different sizes. Larger particles can be used solely for growing seedlings while smaller particles can be easily mixed with any soil medium. It is a long term solution for fruits and vegetable plants that love moisture.