Experienced hobby gardeners know: where there is light, there is also shadow. This garden wisdom includes coconut soil. In addition to a wide range of convincing advantages, important disadvantages must not be neglected. This guide names the downsides of coconut hum by name.
Pressed coconut substrate can take up to an hour to swell
Higher purchase price
Hobby gardeners agree on the most important disadvantage of coconut soil. The valuable natural substrate has significantly higher prices than conventional potting soil. The following table provides a representative insight into the cost structure:
- 650 grams of humus bricks (makes 8 liters of coconut soil): from 3.49 euros/piece
- 5 kg humus bricks (makes 70 liters of coconut soil): from 13.99 euros/piece
- 50 pieces of coconut swelling tablets (ideal for sowing): from 9.95 euros
In comparison, 50 liters of conventional potting soil in the DIY store costs from 2.95 euros. However, it is a product containing peat that has long been frowned upon in many private gardens. Specialist retailers charge from EUR 4.50 per 10-litre sack for potting soil without peat.
Uncertain mold resistance
Under the influence of warm and humid conditions, the much-vaunted mold resistance of coconut soil hangs by a thread. As long as there are humus bricks in their packaging, fungal spores don't stand a chance. Unpacked and prepared in warm water, coconut fibers are at the mercy of flying pathogens.
A combination of high humidity and overwatering causes coconut soil to go moldy. Repot the affected plants in fresh coconut hum as soon as possible. So that the disadvantage does not strike again, please subject the site conditions and care program to a close examination.
Time-consuming processing
Hobby gardeners with limited time for plant care complain about a characteristic disadvantage of coconut soil. The substrate is pressed into space-saving briquettes. Only after a swelling process in warm water is the coconut fiber substrate available for use. This process can take up to 60 minutes. Accelerating it has an effect if you walk through the swelling mass with your hands from time to time.
Coconut soil manufacturers have reacted to the disadvantage and expanded their product range. Loose coconut soil is available for purchase in well-stocked specialist shops and can be used immediately. So much luxury has its price. A 50-liter bag costs between 22 and 25 euros; a multiple of conventional potting and potting soil.
tips
There are no nutrients in humus bricks. What appears to be a disadvantage is actually an important advantage of coconut fiber substrate. In order for seeds and cuttings to thrive and take root, the potting soil should be as lean as possible. To use the advantages of coconut soil as pricking soil or potting soil, simply fertilize a humus brick with mineral liquid fertilizer as part of the swelling process.