I don't see how perlite would be effective and vermiculite is messy. Both are sterile, but neither provides any force of protection to the bulb that may bring with it some fungus or mold spores. The pH is wrong, too, though I don't know if that matters in the short-term. "In the green", still with foliage, IS TRANSPIRING, so I don't expect a totally dry substrate to be helpful, though it's definitely better to get a water stressed bulb instead of a rotten bulb. I ship in the green with zero complaints, and I don't use perlite or vermiculite. So, what do I do? You all know how to find out, assuming there's not a mole in our ranks who would divulge my secret. ;-) #shamelessplugthatdoesnotinvolveactualadvertising -- Mr. Kelly M. Irvin _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/… Unsubscribe: <mailto:pbs-unsubscribe@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net>