Coconut soil is gaining ground in the cultivation of ornamental and vegetable plants. Committed hobby gardeners ask whether potted plants thrive better in a mixture of coconut humus and potting soil? This guide goes in search of a well-founded, practical answer.
Coconut soil and potting soil are a perfect combination
Dream team for plant care
Coconut soil also shows its convincing strengths when potting soil is added. Both variants combine their positive properties into a premium quality substrate. Coconut fiber substrate ensures a loose, airy structure and excellent water retention. Potting soil creates humus-rich conditions that allow balcony and house plants to grow splendidly.
Mixing ratio 1 : 1
Coconut soil and potting soil enter into a congenial partnership if you mix both substrates in equal parts. A dominance on one side or the other affects the balance of the mix. This is not contradicted by the fact that you add other additives. Fine-grained sand increases the mineral content of coconut soil. A few handfuls of Perlite (37.51€) optimize permeability.
Fertilize coconut soil in advance - this is how it works
Coconut fiber substrate does not naturally contain any nutrients. In combination with pre-fertilized potting soil, coconut hum reduces the nutrient content, which can lead to deficiency symptoms in balcony and house plants. Before you mix both substrates, you should fertilize lean coconut soil. How to do it right:
- Pour 4 liters of lukewarm water into a bucket
- Add mineral liquid fertilizer for potted plants according to the manufacturer's instructions
- Unpack the hummus bricks and place them in the fertilized water
- Leave to swell for 20 minutes, occasionally loosening it with your hands
Coconut fiber substrate does not harbor microorganisms that process organic fertilizers so that the nutrients are available to the plants. Therefore, only use mineral liquid fertilizer to enrich coconut soil with nutrients.
tips
Hobby gardeners undermine the mold resistance of coconut fibers when the substrate is mixed with contaminated potting soil. The problem is circumvented by subjecting purchased potting soil to thermal decontamination in advance. Moisten the potting soil and place it in a bowl at 80 to 100 degrees in the oven for 30 minutes.