How do I use coco coir in planter pots?

Coco coir is a potted plant medium that can be used with potting soil, as it contains nutrients. To use it, prepare the coir as usual for hydroponics by soaking it to loosen it up and remove any salt buildup. Prepared coconut coir, which looks like potting soil, can be used as an alternative. Mix the coir about 50-50 with potting soil in your planter, experimenting with different ratios to see what works best for your plants. It is important not to add too much coir as it retains water and hinders proper drainage. You can also try different ratios of coco coir to soil to find the best mix for your plants. If you want to improve drainage, consider adding sand or perlite. If you know another indoor grower who could benefit from this information, share this article on Facebook and tag your gardening friends.

USING COCO COIR FOR HOUSEPLANTS

Coir peat is a suitable growing medium for houseplants due to its moisture retention and aerobic properties. Indoor plants require loose, open soil for water dispersal and air circulation. Too loose a structure can prevent roots from absorbing moisture. To prepare coco coir for indoor plants, use the smallest brick available, as it is dense and cannot be broken apart before being hydrated. Excess coir can be recycled and stored for several months. To grow houseplants in coco coir, add the primary nutrients, such as Coco Boost, during preparation.

COCO COIR AND INDOOR SUCCULENTS

Coco coir is a suitable medium for houseplants, but it requires extra care when potting arid soil succulents like cacti due to its water-retentive nature. To avoid overwatering and allow sufficient drying time, coco coir can be an excellent substrate for indoor succulent growth. To replicate its natural environment, mix coco coir with coarser materials like pumice, perlite, or sand. This ensures the plants receive adequate moisture and maintain their health.

USING COCO COIR IN THE GARDEN

Coco coir is a potent peat moss alternative for gardens, offering extended watering intervals and improved moisture drainage, making it ideal for areas with heavy rainfall. To plant with coir, consider the soil’s natural properties and how coir can be mixed with it to create the ideal growing environment. For instance, clay soil can be lighter and more suitable for outdoor plants, while sandy soil may be too dry for planting. Coco coir also enhances moisture retention, making it suitable for sandy gardens. The addition of vital nutrients is crucial for the preparation stage, as each plant has unique requirements, so double-check the exact needs for optimal health.

Seed starting

Coconut coir pellets are essential for starting seeds, as they are compact, compacted tablets about two inches in diameter. These discs are ideal for seedlings due to their biodegradable composition and ability to expand when wet. To use them, place the seed inside the center of the disc, set it in a shallow pan, and gradually add water. The disc will absorb the water and swell, allowing the seed to sprout. Once the seedlings are large enough, prepare the soil for planting by digging a hole slightly larger than the swelled discs and placing the seedling in the ground. If the discs have netting, remove it to allow roots to escape. The coir discs retain moisture, improving the plants’ adaptability to the garden.

How to Use Coconut Coir Chips

Coco coir chips are a type of plant mulch made from the fibrous shell of coconuts. They are used for both indoor and outdoor plants, breaking down slower and more evenly than wood chips. They are particularly popular for orchids and can be used as part of tropical plant growing mediums. Coir chips absorb water and release it slowly for surrounding plants.