Growing media made from coconut are the most popular materials in agriculture in Vietnam and many countries around the world. Let’s learn about different types of growing media from coconut.
1. Coco Peat
Coconut peat is a fine powder obtained from coconut fiber, which has good water and moisture retention capacity. Coconut fiber is usually processed to remove tannins and salts before use.
Advantage:
- Retains water and moisture very well, helping plants always be fully supplied with water.
- Improves soil porosity when mixed together.
- Environmentally friendly, biodegradable.
Disadvantages:
- If used too much, it can cause root rot due to its high water retention capacity.
- Need to be processed carefully before use to remove salt and tannin.
- Poor drainage if used alone without mixing with other substrates.
Suitable for plants:
- Sprouts, clean vegetables.
- Flowers like chrysanthemums, primroses, geraniums.
- Fruit trees or hydroponic plants when combined with other substrates.
Popular coco peat products
Coconut peat must be treated tannin and pathogens that are harmful to plants. You should buy coco peat from reputable companies such as SFARM because they have a standard processing system and stable quality.
In addition, there are many coconut peat products on the market such as:
- Sfarm Coconut Peat Has Been Treated For Tannins & Germs
- Coco Wow Processed Coconut Fiber Growing Media
- BaTriVina bagged coconut peat
- Eco N1 Coconut Peat Nursery
2. Coir Fiber
Coir is the long, coarse, soft fibers extracted from the outer shell of the coconut. Coir is larger in size than coco peat, and usually retains a distinct fibrous texture.
Advantage:
- Good drainage: Helps plants avoid waterlogging.
- Moderate moisture retention: Balances air circulation and moisture for plant roots.
- High durability: Coconut fiber decomposes slowly and can be reused many times.
- Environmentally friendly: Natural product, does not harm the environment.
Disadvantages:
- Poor nutrition: Must be fertilized regularly as coir does not provide nutrients to the plant.
- Pre-treatment required: May contain harmful tannins and salts if not thoroughly rinsed.
Suitable for plants:
- Orchids (Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Cattleya).
- Bonsai and other ornamental plants need a well-ventilated growing medium.
- Grow plants in hanging baskets or mesh pots.
3. Coco Peat Pellets
Coconut peat is compressed into small, round or flat pellets, easy to use and store. When soaked in water, the pellets will expand to be used as a growing medium.
Advantage:
- Convenient, no need to measure ratio when using.
- Retains water well and expands easily when soaked in water.
- Clean, do not dirty the planting area.
Disadvantages:
- The price is higher than normal coconut peat.
- Low nutrient retention capacity, regular fertilizer addition required.
Suitable for plants:
- Sow seeds of plants (vegetables, flowers).
- Cuttings.
- Hydroponic systems or growing plants in small spaces.
4. Coconut Chips
Coconut shells are pieces of coconut shells cut into small pieces, usually of uniform size. Coconut cubes have a porous structure, which both retains moisture and drains well.
Advantage:
- Good drainage, does not cause waterlogging.
- Retains some moisture, suitable for plants that need moderate moisture.
- Not easy to rot, long lasting use.
Disadvantages:
- Does not retain much nutrition, needs to be fertilized periodically.
- If not treated properly, it may contain tannins and salts that are harmful to plants.
Suitable for plants:
- Orchids (especially Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium orchids).
- Bonsai and ornamental plants need breathable growing medium.
- Indoor plants and ornamental plants need high drainage.
5. Coconut root substrate
Coconut root substrate is made from the old roots of the coconut tree. Coconut roots are usually long, tough and durable fibers. After being cleaned and processed, they become a natural substrate commonly used for growing plants, especially in environments that require high ventilation.
Advantage:
- Good drainage: Coconut roots have a fibrous structure, allowing water to flow easily and preventing root rot.
- Maintain aeration: Create ideal conditions for root growth.
- High durability: Coconut roots decompose slowly, can be used for a long time without frequent replacement.
- Environmentally friendly: It is a natural and reusable product.
Disadvantages:
- Does not retain water well: Not suitable for plants that require a substrate with high water retention capacity.
- Pre-treatment required: May contain bacteria, pathogens or impurities if not properly cleaned and treated.
- High price, difficult to buy compared to other types of substrates
Suitable for plants:
- Orchids: Especially orchids that require airy substrates such as Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium, Cattleya.
- Types Anthurium Can also be grown with coconut roots.
- Bonsai: Bonsai, plants need ventilation for the roots.
- Hydroponic plants: As a substrate layer in hydroponic systems or combined with other substrates such as coconut peat, coconut charcoal.
Compare 5 types of coconut growing media
Below is a comparison table of 5 types of substrates (Coconut peat, Coconut fiber, Coconut lumps, Coconut roots and Coconut fiber pellets) based on characteristics such as structure, water retention capacity, drainage capacity, decomposition, main applications and cost.
You can mix the above growing media together or with other growing media to create a growing media that suits your growing needs. Currently on the market there are many premixed substrate Suitable for all types of ornamental foliage and indoor plants.
