Coco Growing Media Plagron
Coco growing media and coco fibre for growing in pots, grow bags and hydroponic systems. Coco can be airy and retain water well. Pure, unfertilised coco does not provide balanced nutrition, so supply it with coco fertiliser. Choose from 20–50 l bags, mixes with perlite or expanded clay, grow mats and pressed coco coir bricks, which swell when soaked.
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Coco growing media: why and for whom
Coco growing media is an organic, soil-free medium used in hydroponics and for growing in pots. It is made from coir and fibres from the outer husk of the coconut. Processing and particle size vary by product. Coco binds and exchanges ions, so it can affect the composition of the nutrient solution. Fine coir retains water well, while a coarser structure tends to contain more air. Compared with systems where roots sit directly in the solution, the water stored in the medium provides some reserve if irrigation fails.
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Types of coco growing media
| Type | Features | Examples from the range (shop information) |
|---|---|---|
| Pure coco in a bag | coco coir and fibres; check washing, buffering level and preparation instructions for the specific product | Atami Washed & Buffered Cocos 50l (no added fertilisers, very low EC according to the manufacturer), BioNova Cocomix Plus 50L, Canna Coco Natural 50l |
| Coco with perlite | perlite can increase aeration and drainage; the ratio of ingredients varies by product | Plagron Cocos Perlite 70/30, Terra Aquatica Coco Fibre Perlite 50 l, BioBizz Juju Royal Coco Kaya 75/25 (mix with peat and light pre-fertilisation) |
| Coco with expanded clay | airy mix for suitable hydroponic systems; adjust the watering schedule to the mix and plants | Plagron Hydro Cocos 60/40 (60 % expanded clay, 40 % coco), Atami Hydro Rokz Cocos 60/40, Gold Label Hydro Mix 60/40 |
| Pressed coco coir | lightweight bricks and blocks that are easy to store; soak them before use | BioNova pressed coco coir brick 10 L, UGro XL 70l, UGro Coco Small 11l |
| Grow mats and grow bags | for drip irrigation and hydroponic systems | Plagron Cocos Slab, Canna Cocos 100 cm, BioNova Open Top Coco Bag 12 L |
Buffered or unbuffered coco
Raw coco may contain higher levels of potassium, sodium and other salts; the content varies depending on its origin and processing. Washing removes soluble salts. Buffering adjusts the exchange sites in the coco material using calcium and sometimes magnesium; it is not just a pH adjustment. Many bagged growing media are already treated, but the level of buffering varies. Check the preparation instructions for the specific product.
Coco with beneficial microorganisms
Some growing media are enriched with beneficial microorganisms, for example UGro XL Rhiza or UGro Coco Small RHIZA. UGro describes the RHIZA range as enriched with endomycorrhizal fungi; naturally present trichoderma is a different microorganism. Check the packaging for the composition of the specific variant. Root support should not be taken as a guarantee of protection against all pathogens.
How to grow in coco
- Start feeding unfertilised coco from the outset. Coco does not provide complete, balanced nutrition on its own. Use coco fertilisers labelled Coco or Cocos, following the instructions and the plants’ needs. Whether you need a calcium and magnesium supplement (CalMag) depends on the water, base fertiliser and coco treatment; do not add it automatically.
- Measure pH and EC. For example, Plagron gives an indicative irrigation pH of 5.5–6.5 for its coco range; other ranges may have a narrower range. Do not confuse irrigation pH with the pH of a laboratory extract of the growing medium. Set EC according to the fertiliser manufacturer, the water used and the condition of the plants. The article How to use EC metres explains how to measure it.
- Adjust watering to the mix and plants. Coco does not necessarily dry out faster than a soil mix; particle size, additives, container, plant size and environment all play a part. Controlled drying is explained in the guide Master dry back.
- Soak pressed coco coir. For example, according to the manufacturer, add approximately 4 litres of water to a BioNova 10 L brick and, once swollen, mix it to make about 10 litres of growing medium. Check the soaking time in the instructions supplied with the pack.
- Healthy coco can be reused. First assess its structure, roots and salt build-up; do not use contaminated medium without a verified treatment. Find the instructions in the article Don’t be afraid to reuse coco growing media.
Coco growing media by brand
BioNova, Atami, BioBizz, Canna, GOLD Label, Plagron, UGro Organics Coco and pressed coco coir. Fabric pots and grow mats are also suitable for growing in coco.
Our TIP: An example of 100% coco growing media with no added fertilisers is BIONOVA COCOMIX PLUS.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between coco fibre and coco growing media?
In shops, the two terms are often used interchangeably. Coco growing media is a mix of fine coco coir, fibres and possibly coarser pieces (chips) from the coconut husk. A higher proportion of coarse particles usually increases aeration and reduces water retention; the whole mix matters. According to the shop’s product descriptions, examples of coarser structures include Canna Coco Coarse and Cocochips.
Do I need to fertilise coco from the start?
With unfertilised coco, supply nutrients from the outset at a concentration suited to the plants’ age and the fertiliser instructions. Pre-fertilised mixes require a different schedule; check the composition and the manufacturer’s instructions.
What pH and EC should I maintain in coco?
Follow the specific nutrient range: for example, Plagron gives an irrigation pH of 5.5–6.5 for its coco range. The target EC also depends on the source water and the plants’ needs. Measure the irrigation solution and, as a guide, the run-off too; its readings are not the same as those of a standardised growing medium extract.
Coco or soil?
A pre-fertilised soil mix can delay the need for additional feeding. With unfertilised coco, you supply nutrients from the outset. Watering frequency depends on the properties of the specific mix, container, plants and environment. Compare the two in the article Soil or coco growing medium?.
How long does pressed coco coir keep?
Store pressed coco coir in a dry place and in a sealed pack, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the shelf life on the packaging, especially for mixes with added microorganisms. Before use, soak it, allow it to swell and mix it; the resulting volume is approximate.