Kokohum potting soil is an insider tip for plant lovers and is often used for planting and growing. This biologically valuable substrate is usually commercially available. R. as blocks or "Brick" available. Coconut soil - this is dehydrated coconut fibers, a high-quality aseptic and peat-free product. How is coconut humus made and what are its most important properties? What should be considered when planting? Is Kokohum recommended without reservation or only useful for certain plants and seeds? This article answers these and other questions about Kokohum potting soil.
Kokohum - what is it?
Coconut soil, i.e. coconut fibers mixed with a granulate made from the binding agent of these fibers, is, so to speak, a by-product of coconut oil and other products made from coconut. The pulp of coconuts is considered a delicious food and a sugar substitute in many countries. Coconut oil is used, among other things, for frying. What remains are the hard coconut shells that were burned earlier as they take several years to compost. But coconut fibers turned out to be anything but useless, because after special processing they turn into valuable potting soil. In order to produce coconut soil, the coconut fibers are sorted into coarse and fine, then shredded, thoroughly rinsed and sterilized. Afterward
the dehydration takes place - a removal of moisture as completely as possible - and the pressing together to form compact briquettes. Of course, you can also buy loose coconut soil, i.e. coconut fibers that have not been dehydrated. Tip: Practical coconut pots are also available in stores that will dissolve by themselves over time. Thus, a sensitive plant does not have to be "peeled out" of the too small flower pot when repotting.Properties and benefits of Kokohum
Coconut soil has numerous advantages for hobby gardeners, which make this substrate particularly well suited for cultivation. Here are the top 3 benefits of Kokohum:
- Peat-free and therefore ecologically valuable. The conventional potting soil usually contains R. a high proportion of peat. Although peat loosens the soil, it also contributes to its acidification and thus reduces the quality of the soil. In addition, the extraction of peat is harmful to the environment, as bogs are drained and habitats of many animal and plant species are destroyed. Coconut humus, on the other hand, is produced in an environmentally friendly manner and is also biodegradable. Coconut soil is not only light and airy, but also basic.
- Germ-free in a natural way. Thanks to the natural substance lignin, which incidentally makes the coconut fiber difficult to compost, the coconut soil is largely germ-free. In addition, it is biologically carefully sterilized during production so that any pest eggs or larvae that may be present in the fibers are safely destroyed. Kokohum is therefore a healthy, neutral potting soil that does not tend to go moldy.
- Generous water storage. Coconut fibers can absorb and store considerable amounts of water, they only give back the moisture slowly and thus supply the plants or seeds with the life-giving water. For the hobby gardener, this property of coconut soil has the advantage that it can be poured at relatively large intervals.
Plants in coconut soil - useful tips
Basically, planting in Kokohum potting soil is not a complicated undertaking, but some aspects must be considered for success.
If coconut humus in briquettes or so-called. Bricks is sold, then of course first watering, then planting. A larger container (e.g. B. a flower pot or tub), the brick or the Kokohum tabs are placed in it and plenty of water is poured over it. Please note the information on the packaging, it says how many liters of water are required per briquette and how much coconut soil makes a block. Tip: If the entire substrate has not been used up immediately, cover the pot tightly with foil or fabric so that no insects can lay eggs in the substrate. Sciarid gnats are particularly unpleasant!
Put the finished moist soil in a bowl or a large flat flower pot and make grooves with a stick. Put seeds in the grooves and press or cover with a layer of soil. Alternatively, seeds can be placed in coconut pots; the pots should first be placed in a larger container filled with potting soil and moistened. Tip: Coconut tabs are also a practical variant for growing. Simply moisten the tabs, let them swell and add seeds (one or more - depending on the size of the plant, not the seed!)
Very important: differentiate between light and dark germs, also pay attention to cold germs. On the packaging with the seeds there is a note whether it is z. B. are dark or light germs. While the former have to be covered with a layer of soil - by the way, the packaging also states the planting depth, so, as the name suggests, light germs need light to germinate. These seeds are only gently pressed into the earth, but remain on the surface. Tip: Failure to follow the advice on cultivation often leads to failure in germination. The fault is less the substrate, but more the unfavorable conditions for the germinating plant,
Always keep the substrate moist. Kokohum stores water, but coconut soil also dries out over time. However, seeds are very sensitive to dehydration, so that a hobby gardener is well advised to check the water content daily and water them regularly. By the way, most seeds don't want to swim in the water unless it's rice, so watering "in reserve" is not a good solution. Tip: Thanks to the "greenhouse effect", ideal conditions for germination are created for most seeds in a mini greenhouse: it is warm and humid.
FAQ:
1. Is Kokohum equally suitable for all seeds?
In principle, all seeds can germinate in coconut soil without any problems. Of course, "framework conditions" such as temperature, light, etc. must be observed.
2. Can the coconut soil also be used for mixtures?
Yes, Kokohum loosens the soil and thus ensures better ventilation of the roots. By the way, Kokohum is particularly recommended for exotic species.
3. How can the potting soil, including coconut humus, be protected against insects?
So that no insects can lay their eggs in the earth, it is worth covering the substrate with a thin layer of sand.
