What is coco coir, and why choose it?
Coco substrate comes from the natural fiber of the coconut husk, treated and prepared to provide a clean, light, and well-aerated base for the roots. It's a compromise between soil and hydroponic cultivation, as it doesn't contain its nutrients but retains water and oxygen excellently. This allows for precise control of plant nutrition, achieving more vigorous growth and abundant harvests.
What coconut formats can you find at Alchimia?
We offer several coconut presentations to suit different needs:
- Ready-to-use bags of pre-hydrated coconut substrate, ideal for pots or growing tables. Some come enriched with mycorrhizae or buffered for immediate use.
- Coconut slabs are widely used in professional cultivation, especially in hydroponic systems or linear growing tables. They take up little space and optimize root development.
- Dehydrated coconut bricks or blocks are compact and easy to store. Simply hydrate them with water to obtain several liters of substrate. They are perfect for home gardens or small spaces.
Advantages of coconut as a growing medium
- Excellent oxygenation and drainage, which prevent waterlogging and improve root growth.
- Complete control over nutrition, as it doesn't add nutrients, allowing you to adapt irrigation and EC to each growing phase. You'll need to add nutrients to the water with each irrigation, or have a reservoir to store the nutrient solution.
- Lighter than earth, making it easier to transport and handle.
- Reusable and environmentally friendly, with a low environmental impact if treated properly after use.
Which coconut brands do we highlight?
At Alchimia, we work with the most trusted brands in the sector:
- Canna, leaders in buffered and specific substrates for coco cultivation.
- Biobizz, perfect for organic crops.
- UGro, with very practical formats for professional crops.
- Top Crop, specialists in nutrients and substrates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coco Substrate
Is it necessary to use fertilizers when growing with coco?
Yes. Coconut contains no nutrients, so it's essential to use specific fertilizers, especially if you want to take advantage of its nutritional control potential.
Can I reuse the coco substrate?
Yes, although it's recommended to thoroughly wash and restructure it. In many cases, it's mixed with enzymes or cleaning products to remove accumulated salts.
What is the difference between coco coir in bags, slabs, and bricks?
The bag comes ready to use, the slab is designed for row crops, and the brick is dehydrated, ideal for saving space until use.
