Is perlite needed when growing in coco coir?

About to start 3 new seeds in coco coir. I did not mix anything is with the coco but was wondering is perlite needed, or can i just run with coco alone? This is my first coco grow.

What pots are you growing in? Perlite is advised I use 10% perlite 90%coco

I have never done it with no perlite, but I can say that coco doesn't need much. Coco is the best draining medium I've ever used, it's like pouring water through a screen. But still I would suggest some perlite, less than in other mediums, but some. I'm sure you could do it with 0 perlite, but I would imagine your plants would appreciate the available oxygen.

Maybe try one without any. I'm pretty curious, I've thought about it a lot, but I always broke down and mixed some perlite in.

Im using 3 gal fabric pots.

What if i add some hydroton would that work the same as perlite?

No, it is not needed. But while it is cool your side of the pond, I would rather use 2 parts chunky perlite to 1 part coco....

It dries out quick enough for plenty of feedings. And it flushes a lot easier than coco.

kaptinkush956 said:

Im using 3 gal fabric pots.

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Do you not plan on letting them get very big? 3 gal is only enough room for probably 2-3weeks of veg. I don't like to use anything less than 10gal, preferably 17gal.

kaptinkush956 said:

What if i add some hydroton would that work the same as perlite?

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yes, I started doing that recently. I have an organic White rhino in dr earth soil, with hydroton mixed in, but I also still used some perlite.

Seems like you are filling the root space with rocks.

ANC said:

Seems like you are filling the root space with rocks.

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perlite is just a light volcanic stone. Hydroton, while I've never tried it as a full replacement of perlite, has been doing AMAZING for my organic white rhino. Especially with the extremely dry air in everyone's grow rooms right now, clay holds onto moisture while improving the CEC of the medium. Pore spaces in the hydroton do the same thing the perlite does by trapping air bubbles around each piece when you water. I'm not sure I would ditch the perlite all together, but my girl has been really enjoying this hydroton.

No need for perlite. 3 gallon is a great size.

I use 2-3 gallon. 5 gallon for monsters.

Sorry should of mentioned that they are autos. And they already germinted nust waiting to be planted. I guess im gonna run with 100% coco see how that turns

Jeeyah said:

5 gallon for monsters.

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7 gal is where the big yields live, although if you know your shit you can grow a huge cola in a party cup.

It isn't "needed" so to speak.Straight coco works just fine

kaptinkush956 said:

Sorry should of mentioned that they are autos. And they already germinted nust waiting to be planted. I guess im gonna run with 100% coco see how that turns

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Being auto's I would imagine 3 gal will suffice. And being a cold dry winter, I would say no perlite would be fine. Just keep in mind that in the spring/summer when the humidity starts to creep up that you may want some perlite in there so that your medium doesn't stay soggy for too long. Maybe throw a few handfuls of hydroton in with one of the pots and see how it does. But like I said, you don't need shit to improve the drainage of coco, it drains like a dream on its own.

Thanks for the tips! im gonna add hydroton to one see how that goes. Thanks again!

If you want fast growth - the more oxygen to the roots the better. Even though coco holds 30% oxygen when saturated - perlite will speed up growth.

These two plants are 3 weeks from sprout, fed daily, in a 70/30 coco/perlite mix. Good luck.

MickFoster said:

If you want fast growth - the more oxygen to the roots the better. Even though coco holds 30% oxygen when saturated - perlite will speed up growth.

These two plants are 3 weeks from sprout, fed daily, in a 70/30 coco/perlite mix. Good luck.

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it looks like you are top dressing with pebbles/stones...what is the advantage of this?

ISK said:

it looks like you are top dressing with pebbles/stones...what is the advantage of this?

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I put a layer of river rock over the coco to try and fend off fungus gnats. You'll notice I cover my air pots with pantyhose to cover the side holes for the same reason - I try to eliminate any access to my coco which stays saturated all the time.

I already planted the seeds. Didn't get a chance to buy perlite since the seeds had already popped and needed to be planted. but i did add some hydroton to the pots. Lets see how that goes.