We get questions from time to time asking what substrate our plants are grown in. The answer varies depending on what cultivator we’re working with. Even though all of our plants are grown indoors to spec there’s still differences between each cultivators style. Our friends at the Eleven23 group for example harvest all their plants in coco. The two mediums that our plants are typically grown in are coco coir and rockwool. Let’s take a look at what coco coir is and why it’s used.
Coco coir, also known as coconut coir or simply coco, is a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts. It’s a widely used substrate or growing medium in cannabis cultivation.
Coco coir is derived from the fibrous layer found between the outer shell and the internal flesh of mature coconuts. The extraction process involves soaking the husks in water and then mechanically separating and processing the fibers. The resulting material is then dried and formed into different products.
Coco coir has become popularly used in hydroponic and drip systems due to its sustainability and beneficial properties. Some key characteristics of coco coir include:
1. Water retention: Coco coir has excellent water-holding capacity, allowing it to retain moisture while still providing adequate drainage. It can hold up to 10 times its weight in water.
2. Aeration: Coir fibers have natural air pockets that promote good airflow and prevent compaction, ensuring proper oxygenation of plant roots. Adding additional materials such as perlite will also assist with this.
3. pH neutrality: Coco coir tends to have a neutral pH range, which means it is less acidic compared to other mediums. This neutrality provides a favorable environment for plant roots.
4. Nutrient retention: Coco can hold and release nutrients to plants over time, providing a steady supply of essential elements.
Coco coir is available in various forms, including compressed blocks, loose fibers, or pre-mixed with other ingredients. It can be used as a standalone growing medium or mixed with other materials like perlite, vermiculite, or compost to create a well-balanced substrate for plant cultivation.
In a future Ask Me Anything post I’ll cover what rockwool is and how it’s used. Please feel free to send in any questions you have, and I’ll answer them in future posts!
Stay stoned and stay safe!
