Because I am growing in soil and a heavier, more dense medium I use the perlite at about a 25% rate. This helps the soil/medium drain more effectively and also provides more air pockets for roots. Perlite retains a little moisture on it's surface, but not inside. Vermiculite is better suited in mediums that hold very little to now water like coco.
I would rather water more often then risk root rot from trapped water.
I would rather water more often then risk root rot from trapped water.