Growing in coir
VicM (Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:16:35 PST)

I am far from an expert, but two years ago I began using coir for most
of my new plants. I was having a lot of trouble with bulbs rotting.
Peat based composts disintegrate very quickly in my hot and humid
weather...and bark is not much better. Grit is not readily available
here (crushed sea shells are used as a substitute.) It worked well on my
orchids and gesneriads so I decided to try it on the bulbs. I have been
very pleased with the results so far. My experience has been the same
as Tom. The root growth is excellent... much better than any other
medium I have tried. It does not pack and there is good air exchange.
It does not get sodden, even with all our summer rain. The only problem
I have had so far is moss on some of my large troughs during rainy
season. During our dry season the tops of the troughs dry out and the
moss dies. I have not had this with pots. I use a slow release
fertilizer (with minors) and some epsom salts once or twice a year. We
are low on magnesium. I find that mixing perlite or pumice with the
coir is even better and I have begun using that on some succulents. The
secret to growing with coir is to use a very good grade. It's expensive
but worth it as the coir does not have to be replaced as often as peat
or bark. I purchase mine from a hydroponic store...even then...I leach
it with water several times before using it. Even my South African
bulbs seem to like it. This is their first year in it so I will have to
see how the mix re-wets next fall.

Regards to all. I really enjoy being part of this wonderful group.

Lynn Makela
Tampa, Florida