@iciris
You ever thought of using pumice instead of perlite? If you do, you can use a product called "Dry Stall". It is pumice, but it's not sold as such and it costs way less than picking up a bag of pumice, or perlite, at your local nursery. I think a 40lb. bag of Dry Stall was only $18-19. Do not get it confused with Stall Dry, you do not want to use that in your soil...it has to be "Dry Stall". You can find it at your local feed stores, but call first to make sure they have it.
I use Dry Stall in making soil for the cacti/succulents. My irises no longer stay potted long enough to use a mix like that.
I've been posting a lot of "savings" tips lately.
