Coco Coir for Indoor Cannabis Production

Coco Coir for Indoor Cannabis Production
Professor DeBacco

Coocoo for Coconuts
Coco coir is made from the husks of the coconut.
Produced primarily in in Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico and parts of the Caribbean and South America
Very popular growing substrate
Was consider to be a waste product due in part to its slow decomposing rate (~20 years).
However, it can be a variable product
One batch to another may have some variation
While similar since it is a natural product there can be some variation that may be greater than other substrates.

Three Types of Coco Coir
Coco pith or peat- looks like peat moss and retains water very well to the point that growers need to monitor conditions to avoid root rots.
Coco fibers- are not very absorbent, but do allow for aeration of the roots, but will break down over time reducing the amount of aeration if it is reused.
Coco chips- retain water and still maintain porosity so this provides the best of coco pith and coco fibers.

Coco Coir Properties
Can hold water while still allowing the roots to have sufficient aeration
Hold their properties for longer than standard soilless options.
pH tends to favor the 5.2-6.8 range
Coco coir lacks plant available nutrients, but is still preferred by growers because it is inert.

Coco Coir is Popular because…
Offers aeration to the roots
Minimal pathogen and pests pressure from the initial substance

When purchasing Coco Coir
Look to see if the material is triple-washed to limit the chance of the substrate containing high salts..
In addition having an included Safety Data Sheet (SDS) helps provide information about the product and also shows a high level of commitment by the company.
Check to make sure it has multiple rinse cycles as salt content is possible.
To ensure pathogen free environment there can be chemical treatments applied, so reviewing the SDS sheet can be important

Coco coir aggressively holds onto Ca, Mg, and Fe
So be sure to have these fertilizers on hand
Coco coir is often part of a blend
Coco coir is commonly mixed in with potting soil or perlite.
Growers will typically do a 50/50 mix with soil or soilless mixes and coco.

When using Coco Coir
Growers should be feeding plants frequently (typically daily) to avoid nutrient deficiencies.

Hard to over water so this offers a great margin for error for newer growers.

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Title: Coco Coir for Indoor Cannabis Production
When using Coco coir

[NOne-yttj]

Very much appreciate the string of content you're releasing these days, particularly the IPM subject

[kristiyanradinsky]

Thank you for the amazing content Mr DeBacco. Thanks to you our plants are healthy and happy. Keep up the good work, we all appreciate it!

[frugglerock]

I am a fan of coco and I really appreciate your effort and knowledge. Thank you.

[cathybroadus]

Pronounced KWAH. KWAH. Your videos are WONDERFUL!

[Lamentor]

Great content, interesting enough with your recent videos I'm currently on a coco/perlite run in 7/10 gallon containers outdoors. Your information is greatly helpful in my goals. Appreciated.

[etiennevanonselen]

Thank you, your input is much appreciated

[hopefullyhigh]

Im not trying to be a contrarian and i definitely think a lot of the comments ahve good advice but ive also used the same 3 5 gallon containers with the same coir for years at this point and I only flush the last 2 weeks. I dont check ph, ppm, i dont adjust anything I just give it jacks 3-2-1 and myco with some molasses once a week and I get excellent results

[addiadeyemi]

I do 60% Coco Coir, with biochar, earthworm castings, and bone meal. Decent results in the winter plus fall . However summertime still observing.

[maxell]

I don't know if you know this but Botanicare is owned by Bayer/ Monsanto.

[nascar]

And always test your runoff and adjust your feed as needed to what the plant and runoff is telling you. Tends to build up EC and PPM over time so flush when runoff readings get to high.

[kylefitts]

I use it outdoors too it’s incredible outdoor hydro

[Michael-spp]

Another superb video, very high on the useful scale. Keep it up!

[drgrnUK]

Great video as usual! Doesn't coir also hold onto K?

[stoney_the_joker]

Been using this for years with gaia green and worm castings.

[ivanpavko]

Can we use coco peat for outdoor grow bags too?

[micaspapa]

I wanted to do a science experiment..! do you think I could grow cannabis in coffee grounds only or something like 90% coffee and 10% volcanic soil mix 🤔..any thoughts..helpful videos though..

[eviltaylor]

I worry about mixing additives to the mix of normal nutrients.
If properly dosed can you for instance mix everything in one or would you take a break from nute's and just mix in some cal mag for a watering or flush?

I hate mixing in additives to it, nothings died or gotten sick, once from a multi total(that stuff i'm sure is Worcestershire sauce) overdose.

I also have very hard water at around 6.8 ph and doesn't that mean it has a lot of cal/mag ect...? anything to look out for with that?

[kylefitts]

I charge my plants during flower with powder baby milk it has everything for life

[TheWhiteKnight]

I totally flush new coco then charge it with double strength CalMag and normal strength A+B nutes and growth is rapid.

[acemcloud]

Anyone have thoughts/advice on reusing coco