coco coir on Universal
Quick answer
If your Universal has coco coir, the most likely cause is: Coco coir is the fibrous husk of coconut shells, processed into a peat-like texture. It provides 60-65% water retention (similar to peat), 15-20% air porosity, and has a pH of 5.5-6.8. It contains natural lignins and low cation exchange capacity (CEC: 10-15 meq/100g). Coco coir is more sustainable than peat moss as it's a byproduct of coconut harvesting and is renewable.
Start here:
- 1. For container mix base: use 40-60% coco coir as peat replacement for moisture-loving plants
- 2. For succulents: limit to 20-30% coir as it retains too much moisture
Why Universal gets coco coir
Coco coir is the fibrous husk of coconut shells, processed into a peat-like texture. It provides 60-65% water retention (similar to peat), 15-20% air porosity, and has a pH of 5.5-6.8. It contains natural lignins and low cation exchange capacity (CEC: 10-15 meq/100g). Coco coir is more sustainable than peat moss as it's a byproduct of coconut harvesting and is renewable.
How to reverse coco coir on Universal
- 1
For container mix base: use 40-60% coco coir as peat replacement for moisture-loving plants
- 2
For succulents: limit to 20-30% coir as it retains too much moisture
- 3
Always pre-hydrate dry coco bricks thoroughly before mixing into soil
- 4
Add perlite at 30% to compensate for coir's lower air porosity compared to peat
Keep coco coir off this Universal
Pre-charge coco coir with calcium and magnesium before use, as it binds these cations initially. Rinse salt-buffered coco to remove residual potassium and sodium from processing.