COCONUT FIBER

Coir is one of the three main products of coconut coir. The fiber is the straw-like part of coconut coir.

Coconut peat or coconut pith is a finely ground product that looks a little peat moss. Lastly, there are coconut flakes which are shaped like wood chips and absorb moisture like clay grains.

Manufacturers sell coconut coir in its natural state or woven into mats for lining window baskets and wire-hanging planters. Like all coir products, coconut coir has a relatively neutral pH level, making it suitable for growing a wide variety of crops.

Coconut fiber adds air pockets to your growing medium. These air pockets ensure oxygen can reach plant roots and improve drainage. Coconut coir is not as absorbent as other coir products, but it can still hold an adequate amount of water.

It gradually releases this water, so the plant roots stay hydrated without soaking and becoming susceptible to root rot and fungal diseases. It also contains small amounts of potassium and phosphorus, both of which help plants grow.

Using Coconut Coir and Potting Soil in a Pot

People usually use a combination of coconut husk and potting soil or an alternative without soil when they are gardening coconuts with pots. Coconut fiber has trace minerals, but is not as nutrient-rich as natural soil. However, coconut husks create air pockets in the soil, which provide excellent drainage and space for roots to grow. Using coconut husk and soil together gives farmers the best of both worlds. Soilless alternatives can replace potting soil when they are enhanced with a nutrient mix.

Before using coconut husks for plants, soak them in clean water for about 30 minutes. This will remove the salts in the fiber that can damage the roots of your plants. Quality coir brands will soak the fiber first before selling it. However, re-soaking the fibers will protect you if the manufacturer skips this step.

Add an inch of soil to your pot, then place your plant on top. Add a layer of coconut coir around the roots of the plant.

The layer should cover the roots to ensure there is plenty of airflow near the roots. The amount of coco coir you will need will depend on the size of your plant's roots and pot.

Add another layer of soil, followed by a layer of coconut husk, followed by another layer of soil, until your plant is sufficiently covered. Press each layer of soil to help filter the coconut fiber. The soil will increase the nutrient content of your coco fiber layer and help with moisture.

If you keep the plant indoors, finish it with a layer of coconut fiber. This layer will act as mulch, insulating your plants and preventing water evaporation. Finish in a layer of soil if you keep the plant outdoors, as squirrels and birds love to steal coconut husks for their nests.

If you want to plant directly into the ground or garden, use the same layering technique after soaking your coir.