Rockwool was what hydro growers used 5 years ago.
Coco is the latest way to grow,
and now time proven.
The coconut is teaming with naturally occurring growth hormones
and other bio-stimulants that are inherent to the survival of the species,
which fortunately for growers may be found in the fibers surrounding the seed
which may be processed for use as a growing medium.
As with peat, there are factors affecting the quality of use
of the coir as a growing medium.
The origin and age of the parent material largely plays a role in the fiber qualities.
Coconuts harvested when fully mature contain more lignins and cellulose.
These fibers are tough and durable enough to manufacture rope from.
Interestingly, coconut fiber is the only natural fiber resistant to breaking down in salt water.
This helps make it ideal for indoor gardeners,
as nutrient solutions,
particularly popular inorganic varieties
and the salts they contain,
play a role in the erosion of growing medias over the course of the crop.
Unlike peat, coir may be used in re-circulating applications.
In re-circulating drip systems it is recommended that the fiber be mixed 50/50
with either coarse perlite, pumice or grow rocks for faster drainage.
Coir is also very suitable for flood and drain applications.
There are coir products now available in the hydroponic marketplace
that are excellent substitutes growing mediums.
One such product is a small, plastic wrapped square of compressed coco coir.
Once hydrated it expands into a 6 X 6 X 6 growing cube.
Moisture management may differ from other media.
Another benefit is that coco tends to have a near neutral pH value,
so lesser quantities of pH adjusters are required in the nutrient solution.
Excessive additions of pH adjusters
may create an ionic imbalance in the nutrient solution,
locking out or precipitating some nutrients.
One of the greatest benefits to using coco products
is that disposal is easy and environmentally sound.
.