Coconut soil is on the rise in the cultivation of ornamental and vegetable plants. Committed hobby gardeners ask the question whether potted plants thrive better in a mixture of coconut humm and potting soil? This guide sets out to find a well-founded, practical answer.
Can you mix coconut soil with potting soil?
Coconut soil and potting soil can be mixed in a 1:1 ratio to obtain an optimal substrate for plant growth. The combination provides a loose, airy structure and excellent water retention. Remember to fertilize the coconut soil in advance with mineral liquid fertilizer.
Dream team for plant care
Coconut soil also shows its convincing strengths when potting soil is added. Both variants combine their positive properties to create a premium quality substrate. Coconut fiber substrate provides 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 form 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. There is no reason why you should add additional additives. Fine-grained sand increases the mineral content of coconut soil. A few handfuls of perlite optimize permeability.
Fertilize coconut soil in advance - this is how it works
Substrate made from coconut fibers naturally contains no nutrients. When combined with pre-fertilized potting soil, coconut humus reduces the nutrient content, which can lead to deficiency symptoms in balcony and house plants. Before you mix both substrates, you should fertilize with 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 humus bricks and place them in the fertilized water
- Let it soak for 20 minutes, fluffing it up with your hands every now and then
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.
Tip
Hobby gardeners undermine the mold resistance of coconut fibers when the substrate is mixed with contaminated potting soil. The problem can be avoided by subjecting purchased potting soil to thermal disinfection in advance. Moisten the plant soil and place it in a bowl in the oven at 80 to 100 degrees for 30 minutes.
