Coco & Coir is a sustainable, organic growing medium derived from coconut husks, offering home laboratory enthusiasts a reliable substrate solution for various propagation techniques. While not specifically engineered for plant tissue culture, it provides a highly supportive environment for root development, sterile seed starting, and other home-based horticultural experiments.
Coconut coir has become a popular alternative to peat moss in recent years due to its environmentally sustainable sourcing and versatile growing properties. Coco & Coir is naturally pH neutral (typically 5.5–6.5), which creates an optimal environment for a wide range of plants, particularly when attempting early root initiation in propagation jars or containers. For home plant tissue culture enthusiasts, using Coco & Coir as a pre-propagation medium or in conjunction with semi-sterile hydroponic systems offers notable benefits. Its excellent water-holding capacity ensures consistent moisture, while the fibrous structure allows for excellent aeration—crucial for preventing root rot and encouraging healthy root growth.
Though not a sterile medium suitable for use inside culture vessels, Coco & Coir works exceptionally well in the early stages of plant propagation before sterile culture transfer. It can be used for seed starting, hardening-off explants, or as part of a hydroponic system where sterility is not absolute but controlled. Home gardeners and plant science hobbyists across the UK find Coco & Coir to be an essential part of their propagation toolkit, especially when aiming for organic and low-impact growing environments.
Coco & Coir typically comes in dehydrated bricks. Simply soak in water to expand, then use as needed in trays, pots, or hydroponic units. For home lab setups, ensure surrounding equipment is sanitised to maintain semi-sterile growing conditions. Unlock the potential of your home lab propagation projects with the natural, versatile power of Coco & Coir.
Once my plants have acclimated I use this product mixed with perlite to pot the plants up ready to move into the greenhouse.