Interesting facts about coconut soil

Coconut soil is being used more and more by us. Whether for indoor plants or plants that you tend in the garden, the soil is very versatile, especially for cultivation.Actually a waste product from the production of coconut oil and coconuts, the coconut shells are used in the plant world today.

The term "soil" is not quite correct, because coconut soil actually consists of coconut fibers. More precisely, from tiny pieces of bark of the coconut palm. Crushed coconut shells are often mixed in. This ensures the coarse and loose structure of the coconut soil and the plant can absorb more oxygen.

Advantage: Less root rot. For sale, the coconut soil is sterilized and pressed into pellets. There are now also different compositions for the different plants, which are tailored to the properties of these.

Our topic in this article: Coconut soil - for which plants is it suitable? Enjoy reading!

Important: Coconut soil does not naturally contain any nutrients. For this reason, it is necessary that you also supply your plants that thrive in coconut soil with liquid fertilizer right from the start.

Pros and cons of coir

Like any soil, coconut soil has its pros and cons. We have put together a list of exactly what these are for you here. So you have everything at a glance!

Benefits of Coconut Soil

• You don't have to water your plants very often because the coconut soil is very good at storing water.
• due to the sterile packaging, there are no plant pests or fungal spores in the substrate. For transport overseas, the coconut soil is pressed into handy and space-saving pellets or coconut swelling tablets. The small volume makes it easier to transport home later.
• no use of peat. It is therefore an environmentally friendly alternative and is also biodegradable
• The coconut soil can actually be stored anywhere because it is very dry and therefore does not start to mold.

Coconut Soil Disadvantages

• a disadvantage that can hardly be mentioned is that the coconut soil needs a moment before it is soaked with water and is usable.
• You have to expect higher prices for coconut soil than for conventional potting soil.
• it contains no nutrients, so your plants need to be fertilized regularly and frequently.

For which plants is coconut soil suitable?

After we have clarified the advantages and disadvantages, you will definitely want an answer to the question: "Coconut soil, which plants can it be used for?" We have put together a few examples for you.

Coconut soil for indoor plants

Palms and indoor trees: In general, coconut soil works very well for palms and other indoor trees. But of course every plant is different and has different requirements. Therefore, make sure that the plant you want to plant in coconut soil prefers high water permeability.

Bonsai: Bonsai plants like a mixture of coconut soil and expanded clay, as this increases the water storage capacity.

→ Here you will find instructions on how to properly care for your bonsai.

Orchids: The countless orchid species have one thing in common: they have special requirements when it comes to the substrate. You are very welcome to mix a bit of coconut soil under the special orchid soil.

→ How to properly care for your orchids.

Coconut soil for vegetables

Peppers, tomatoes, zucchini: Coconut soil, for example, is great for sowing seeds in a seed tray for these types of vegetables. However, as soon as you transplant the young plants into your own pots or into the garden, you should use nutrient-rich soil. Of course you can always mix in a bit of coconut soil for better water retention.

Coconut soil for herbs

Parsley, basil & co: Coconut soil is also suitable for growing herbs.

Coconut soil for succulents and cacti

cacti and succulents such as aloe vera and echeveria prefer nutrient-poor soil, but the soil also needs high water permeability. For this reason, coconut soil is not ideal for succulents or cacti. It is therefore better to use a special succulent soil or add potting soil and lime-free sand to your coconut soil.

Conclusion for using coconut soil

The only thing you have to consider when using coconut soil is how you care for it after planting. That means you should make sure you're always feeding your plants enough nutrients. For example, you can add liquid fertilizer directly when activating the soil.

Most houseplants should be fertilized every 2-3 months. With coconut soil you should mix approx. 1/4 fertilizer into your irrigation water once a month and the amount prescribed on the package every 3 months.