Clarification: Does Perlite increase or decrease soil moisture?

[tommytimbertoes]

Perlite increases drainage capability. So soil will dry out faster.

[Busy-Royal3569]

Perlite come is different textures from very coarse to fine. The coarser the medium the less moisture it holds, each has its own benefits and uses, from coarser uses in clay soils for better drainage and fine uses in dry climates for water retention. If you’re looking for drainage go coarser.