Growing in Coconut Coir

Thinking about trying cultivation in coco? Today we’ll talk about a popular growing medium that stands out for its extraordinary versatility and has quickly become synonymous with healthy, strong plant roots. We’ll go over the properties and types of coconut substrates and add tips for their correct use in growing practice.Coconut substrates are preferred by more and more growers around the world. So what is their magic?

Inert coconut substrate truly has ideal properties for growing herbs, crops and flowers of almost any kind, and it is most commonly used in hydroponics. Coconut fibers are able to hold a lot of water while retaining a high degree of aeration. This creates perfect conditions for the development of the plant root system, because the fiber structure retains water with nutrients (nutrient solution) that roots efficiently absorb and naturally manage...

The birth of a universal medium

The production of coconut substrates consists of repeated cleaning of crushed and sieved coconut fibers from palm fruits grown, for example, in Sri Lanka. In addition to sterilizing the fibers, a process called buffering is also commonly used.

Parameters of coconut substrates and positive impact on yield

Coconuts contain lignins. These compounds can stimulate the development of beneficial bacteria, resulting in increased resistance to various diseases and pests. The presence of the fungus Trichoderma, which is part of most substrates, also supports the resistance of root systems against pathogenic bacteria and molds and enhances plant yields. Symbiotic fungi colonize the root surface, increasing the volume and capacity of the root system as well as the ability to process absorbed nutrients. Perlite is also often added to coconut substrates for even greater aeration of the root zone. Mixtures of coco with expanded clay are also available on the market. If you want only a 100% coconut substrate of the highest quality, try our pick from the brand BioNova.

100% coconut substrate of the highest quality

Once a plant has a rich root system, it can reliably use the nutrients it receives. You can easily see this in the above-ground parts: they are vigorous and have visibly strong structure. The plant thrives, grows faster and produces beautiful flowers and juicy fruits.

The reasons why coco is an excellent growing medium for both beginner and experienced growers should already be clear. Time for a short summary of the main advantages:

1. Coconut supports the development of the root system for strong, healthy plants.
2. Coconut fiber is highly ecological; it decomposes easily in nature or compost.
3. Coco opens space for beneficial microorganisms while reliably keeping pathogenic ones away.
4. Coconut substrate is exceptionally airy and ensures sufficient oxygen in the root zone.
5. Coco offers plants an ideal acidity range: pH 6.0 – 6.8.
6. Coconut fibers contain a high proportion of natural cellulose, phosphorus and potassium.
7. Coco offers a cleaner gardening experience, for example compared to regular soil.
8. Coconut fiber easily soaks up water, making it suitable for hand watering, but it does not retain water as much as soil, so it is also suitable for hydroponics. And because coco is inert, it is ideal for hydroponic systems.

Recycling

Besides the extensive list of advantages above, coco has another practical benefit: it can be reused. Just make sure it is cleared of visible residues of dead vegetation, such as roots or leaves, before each new growing cycle. You can use this medium for up to three growing cycles!

Two types of packaging

Coconut substrate is sold traditionally in bags (most often 50 l) or in the form of pressed coconut. Dehydrated compressed coconut bricks allow easy handling and are suitable for long-term storage. The coconut bricks are soaked before use. They then swell to the desired size.

Practical tips for growing in coco

At the beginning we recommend avoiding transplanting. First start seeds in Jiffy and plant them into coco only when roots are showing. Then, especially if you are new to growing in coco, it will be definitely easier to start with hand watering. As with all processes a beginner grower gradually encounters, working with coco needs to be learned calmly, and hand watering will give you the assurance that you won’t overwater your plants and that they will receive an amount of water they can consume. Once young plants develop a sufficiently branched root system, you do not have to worry, because coco’s properties allow for more frequent and intensive watering. After the first two weeks the watering intensity can be gradually increased up to the second week of the flowering phase. If leaves start to yellow or even wilt, you are overdoing the water. A sign of correct watering intensity are strong, green leaves. Therefore always increase water doses gradually and carefully observe the plants’ reactions. During the 14 days before harvest, gradually reduce water doses and in the very final stage, 2–3 days before harvest, let the plants send remaining strength into the fruit or flowers. It is important to regularly flush coco.

Final tip

Some coconut substrates, such as Atami Coco, contain enough nutrients for the first week of the growing cycle. Otherwise, from the second week onward when growing in coco, be sure to always use appropriate nutrients in the form of special fertilizers designed specifically for coconut substrate. We can also help you choose a suitable fertilizer or substrate if needed — just call or write to us (info@higarden.cz).

- Pressed coconut
- Fertilizers for coco

- BioNova Cocomix Plus (recommended)