What is Coco Coir?

Coco coir, also known as coconut fiber, is a by-product of coconut processing. It’s made from the fibrous material found between the hard shell and the outer layer of the coconut. Once cleaned and processed, this material is turned into a variety of growing mediums like:

Why Growers Love Coco Coir:

• Excellent Water Retention: Coco coir holds water like a sponge, keeping roots moist for longer while still allowing oxygen to flow through.
• Eco-Friendly & Sustainable: It’s a renewable resource and a great alternative to peat moss, which is often harvested in ways that damage ecosystems.
• pH Neutral: Coco coir typically has a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it a near-perfect range for most plants to absorb nutrients.
• Great for Root Development: The air pockets in coco coir provide optimal conditions for roots to grow strong and healthy.
• Reusable: With proper rinsing and sterilizing, coco coir can be reused for multiple growing cycles.

Types of Coco Coir:

• Coco Peat (Coco Pith):
• Fine, soil-like texture
• High water retention
• Best for seedlings or water-loving plants
• May need buffering (rinsing to remove salts)
• Coco Chips:
• Chunkier pieces of husk
• Great for aeration and drainage
• Often mixed with coco peat for balance
• Coco Fiber:
• Long, coarse strands
• Used for air circulation
• Common in hanging baskets or mixed with other mediums

Best Practice:

For most growers, a blend of peat and chips provides the best balance of water retention and aeration.

What to Look for in the Best Coco Coir

• Pre-Buffered vs. Unbuffered:

Buffered coco coir has been treated to remove excess potassium and sodium salts that can harm plants. Always choose pre-buffered coco coir unless you're comfortable treating it yourself.

• Low EC (Electrical Conductivity):

High salt content can raise EC levels and harm plants. Go for coco coir with a low EC rating

• Sterilized and Washed:

Good-quality coco coir should be free from pests, pathogens, and weed seeds. Look for products that are triple-washed or steam-sterilized.

• Consistency and Texture:

Choose coco coir with a consistent texture — avoid ones that are overly sandy or too fibrous unless you specifically need that type.

Top 5 Best Coco Coir Products for Growing

• Canna Coco Professional Plus:
• Buffered and washed
• Very low EC
• Excellent water/air ratio
• Trusted by hydroponic growers worldwide
• Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix:
• 70% coco coir + 30% perlite
• Pre-buffered and ready to use
• Ideal for container gardening and hydroponics
• Hydrofarm Grow!t Coco Coir:
• Comes in bricks and loose form
• Washed and buffered
• Budget-friendly option for beginners
• Botanicare Cocogro:
• High-quality coco fiber and pith blend
• Triple-washed for low salt levels
• Great for indoor and outdoor use
• Plantonix Coco Bliss:
• 100% organic and eco-friendly
• Compressed bricks that expand with water
• Ideal for seedlings, flowers, and vegetables

How to Use Coco Coir in Your Garden or Grow Room:

• Step 1: Hydrate the Coir If using a compressed brick, soak it in warm water. It will expand to 5–7 times its original size.


• Step 2: Fluff and Break Apart Loosen up the coir to remove clumps and improve texture.


• Step 3: Mix (Optional) You can mix coco coir with perlite, vermiculite, or compost for extra drainage or nutrients.


• Step 4: Buffer (If Needed) If using unbuffered coco coir, soak it in a calcium-magnesium solution to displace excess sodium/potassium.


• Step 5: Plant Your Crops Transfer seedlings or seeds into the coir and water as needed. Adjust your nutrient solution since coco coir is inert (no nutrients).

Pro Tips for Growing with Coco Coir:

• Use Coco-Specific Nutrients: Coco coir holds calcium and magnesium differently than soil, so use a coco-formulated fertilizer.
• Monitor pH Levels: Keep the pH of your nutrient solution between 5.8 and 6.2.
• Don’t Let It Dry Out Completely: Unlike soil, coco coir needs to stay slightly moist at all times.
• Flush Occasionally: Build-up of salts from fertilizers can occur, so flush with clean water every few weeks.