If you're a grower, you know that choosing the right growing medium is essential for healthy plants that produce great yields. That's where coco coir comes in – a natural, fibrous material that is a sustainable and versatile alternative to traditional growing media based on peat. In this article we will explain everything you need to know about growing with coco coir, from what it is and how to use it to the benefits it provides for your plants. Let’s start at the beginning.
Coco coir is a natural material, made from the husk of coconuts. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional growing mediums, like soil or peat moss. The coconut husk is ground, washed and eventually dried to create a lightweight and fluffy material that is excellent for plant growth.
Coco coir can be used as a standalone growing medium. It is an excellent choice for growers who want to avoid using peat-based soil or other traditional growing media. Most coco coir’s are also pH neutral, which means they can be used straight out of the bag without any additional pH adjustments. When using coco coir for growing plants, it is essential to provide the plant with the right amount of nutrients. Coco coir is a hydroponic growing medium, so it does not contain any nutrients on its own. However, it is an excellent substrate for nutrient delivery and compatible with all types of hydroponic nutrient solutions.
The quality of coco coir can vary widely, depending on multiple factors such as the source, processing method and storage conditions. Coco coir contains harmful (sea) salts like natrium and chloride. Coco coir needs to be washed and buffered to remove these harmful salts. Salt levels in coco coir cause root damage and affect plant growth. The quality of the washing and the buffering process, determines the quality of the coco coir. The lower the salt levels (EC-value), the better the quality of your coco coir medium. You can check the salt level of your coco coir on the bag through the EC-value. Aim for an EC-value below 0.2 (mS/cm) for maximum potential of your plants and to exclude all risks for damages. Our Cocos Premium for instance, has a guaranteed low EC-value between 0.09 and 0.14 (mS/cm).
Hydroponic growing on a buffered and washed coco substrate.
You know for sure there are zero harmful salts left if your coco coir media has an EC-value below 0.15 (mS/cm).
Coco coir has many benefits for the growth of your plant. One of the most significant advantages, is its ability to hold water and nutrients, while still providing excellent drainage. This ensures that the plant's roots are always adequately hydrated and that there is no risk of overwatering. Coco coir is also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional growing media like peat, because it is a reusable growing medium. Coco coir can be used for multiple grow cycles. Another advantage of using coco coir for growing plants is its versatility. It can be used in a variety of growing systems, including hydroponics, aeroponics and drip irrigation. It is also compatible with all types of plant species, making it a great choice for growers who want to experiment with different types of plants.
There are several different coco coir mixes available, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. The most common coco coir mixes (besides the pure coco coir) are: coco coir with perlite, coco coir with clay pebbles and coco coir with cork. Pure coco coir is available in loose fibres, in bricks and in ready-to-use slabs. When choosing a coco coir mix for your plants, it is important to consider the specific needs of your plants and the growing conditions in which they will be grown.
In conclusion, growing with coco coir is a sustainable and versatile option for plant growers. Coco coir provides excellent aeration and drainage, pH neutrality and compatibility with all types of hydroponic nutrient solutions. It is also environmentally friendly and versatile enough to be used in a variety of growing/irrigation systems. Aim for a coco coir medium with the lowest EC possible for the best grow results. Look at your plants specific needs and your grow environment to pick the right coco coir mix for even better growing results.
Any questions? Feel free to contact our Servicedesk or use our Substrate Selector to pick the right coco coir mix for your needs.