Definition - What does Coco Coir mean?
In cannabis cultivation, coco coir is often used as a replacement to soil.
Coco coir, sometimes 'coconut fiber' or often just 'coco' is a soilless grow medium that is made of fibrous coconut husks.
It can be mixed with soil for improved aeration of potted cannabis plants, or used on its own or with aerating materials as a growing medium for hydroponic marijuana plants.
MaximumYield explains Coco Coir
Coco coir is the fibrous material found on the inside of coconut shells. Once considered a waste material of the coconut processing industry, coco is often used to replace peat moss to aerate soil or to act as a medium on its own.
Coco coir has a neutral pH level, which means that it will not hinder nutrients from dissolving into the soil-water mixture and being taken up by the plants. Because it facilitates aeration, coco coir increases the rate that water drains through the medium in which it is used.
Coco coir is an inert grow medium, as in, it does not contain any nutrients, so growers will be required to add nutrients upon first use. Fortunately, coco coir is an efficient medium to which nutrients and water can be added. Also, different strains thrive in different nutrient levels, which makes coco coir a good medium that allows growers to customize the nutrient levels that different plants receive.
Coco coir is considered a highly sustainable substance because it is a renewable medium.
Some drawbacks to using coco coir for growing marijuana is that a cal-mag supplement is often required. The material is also dusty, so it requires a pre-soak before first use. As more and more coco coir products enter the cannabis cultivation market, these drawbacks are being addressed, giving growers access to an even easier to use grow medium.