Using Coco Fiber

[Paradoxic]

Coco fiber (coconut coil) is an excellent substrate to use when growing with a hydroponics system. Coco fiber is completely natural and very inexpensive. Coco fibers are ideal because they are great for holding water and oxygen which improves aeration for the roots. In addition, it has been known to discourage some plant diseases and help to maintain a stable PH.

Although it works to grow Salvia in just hydroton grow rocks (expanded clay pebbles), mixing in coco fiber is even better. I have had most success using this mixture:

• 3 parts hydroton grow rocks
• 1 part coco fiber

Or more simply put: 75/25 (grow rocks/coco fiber).

This mixture works for any hydroponics system that can use hydroton grow rocks. I have had great success using this substrate in a DWC bubbler system. Read more about this system here: Basic Bubbler(DWC) System

[Sam Fisher]

I?m using the coco fiber for the first time with a money tree. It?s in a pretty small hydro set up. I?m not sure if it?s the brand I have but this stuff is messy. The stuff I?m using looks like coffee grounds. Every few days it washes out of the rocks and into the water. It doesn?t hurt this system but I can?t imagine using it in a larger system with a pump or fogger. Do you think I could be using it incorrectly? I can post a photo if you like.

[Paradoxic]

Hmm, strange I've never seen it as grounds. Usually its fibers (looks like strings of bark or something). I've also seen coco fiber pot liners that you stick in the netpot and then put the medium in that.

So whats a money tree, or were you speaking in code?

[Sea Mac]

  Show us the Money (tree) ...     

[DrYRHead]

  Show us the Money (tree) ...     

LOL, that legendary money tree.

[Sam Fisher]

I have a money tree at work. I was told by a professor that it couldnt be cloned. I figured id try it anyway.You can see the new growh in the photo. I have sucessfully cloned a money tree.

This is a photo of a Money Tree I found online



This is a clone from the Money Tree I have at work.


This is a really messy Coco fiber. Do you guys know of a better brand that doesnt turn to dust.

[Paradoxic]

LOL...I guess it kinda looks like money.

I see the coco fiber you got, thats the kind thats meant to be mixed into soil, I believe. I dont think its really made for hydro. It would be cool to add a good soil mix with the use of coco. You should experiment a little and tell us what you come up with.

[ASL]

Another thing to mention.  Coconut fiber is a terrific alternative to peat for the environmentally conscious grower.  Peat is usually ripped out of sensitive peat bogs where as Coconut fiber is a product taken from the remnants of commercial coconut processing.

[Paradoxic]

Another thing to mention.  Coconut fiber is a terrific alternative to peat for the environmentally conscious grower.  Peat is usually ripped out of sensitive peat bogs where as Coconut fiber is a product taken from the remnants of commercial coconut processing.

Hmm, thats interesting I didn't know that...never really thought about where peat comes from. I'll definitely keep that in mind, bogs and other wetlands are ecosystems that are close to that point of disappearance. Heres an article I found on how gathering peat moss affects the environment:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1525/is_n3_v78/ai_13695256

I may have already said this, but welcome to Salvia Source ASL!

[Sea Mac]

Welcome to the Forum ASL!

I generally recommend that peat or Peat MOSS NOT be used in any soil mix for Salvia divinorum. After a year or two it turns into peat BOG: cuttings off roots access to air.  Salvia Plants need air to be able to get to their roots to prevent root rot.  It's NOT for long term growing: and most people want to grow Salvia for more than one year.