Planning to use coco peat for succulents?
Succulents are listed as the most profitable plants and easiest to grow. They have been continuously growing in popularity among weddings with no signs of stopping. With an array of vibrant colors and striking forms, they are the heart of plant enthusiasts.
It’s a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor plants and low maintenance. There are more than hundreds of varieties of Succulents in markets these days, and care for each of them can vary vastly. Succulents by nature are desert plants and require very little water. They can grow in the heat, and in winter, watering should be restricted to once a month.
As discussed about the low maintenance nature, it’s important to know the right suitable soil which is essential for their growth. One alternative that has gained popularity is using Coco peat. Today, we will be discussing how coco peat is the perfect choice for growing Succulents.
Coco Peat also referred to as coconut coir is a popular alternative that is extracted from the coconut husk. Due to its sustainability and outstanding water retention capabilities, it has been gaining popularity in the gardening industry.
Guide on how to use Coco Peat for Succulents
Once you have decided to use coco peat to grow succulents, below are some steps to get you started.
- Preparation of the Mix: Start by creating a well-drained soil mix of coco peat along with fertile or sand by using a ratio of 2:1 of coco peat.
- Transplant with Care: When planting the succulents, be careful of gently removing the existing soil and shaking off all the excess soil before placing them in the newly made coco peat mix.
- Watering Plants: As coco peat has excellent water retention capabilities, water your succulents sparingly as compared to traditional watering.
- Monitoring the growth: Keep continuously monitoring the growth and adjusting the water routine regularly. Generally, succulents are low maintenance must still require monitoring.
Benefits of Using Coco Peat of Succulents Soil Mix
- pH Neutral: Coco peat is ideal for succulents as it has a neutral pH and is at an acidic to neutral side of soil condition. The neutral pH value makes sure that the roots are in an environment suitable to their needs.
- Excellent Drainage System: The drainage system is very important for the growth of succulents, and Coco Peat is well known for its drainage system. It maintains a perfect balance, allowing excess water to drain where and leaving enough moisture for succulents to grow in the soil.
- Sustainable: Coco peat being a by-product of the coconut industry is a 100% natural and eco-friendly alternative. It’s one of the best alternatives to using a natural resource without impacting the environment.
- Air Porosity: Coco Peat’s other advantage is its excellent moisture-retaining capability and ability to offer aeration to the roots. These characteristics are very important for succulents as they prevent the plants from any kind of suffocation allowing roots adequate access to the oxygen they need.
- Nutrient adoption: Coco peat can retain and absorb nutrients and fertilizers. Coco peat itself has fewer nutrients. While using coco peat to grow succulents, you have the control of adding nutrients as the need arises.
Best watering practice for optimal growth
Guide to watering frequency
Succulent plants demand a proper watering system. For succulents to survive in a healthy environment, it’s best to water them after every two weeks in the growing season. While in winter, you can water the succulent plants only once. When the right soil mix is used, like coco peat, it retains the moisture without being soggy.
How important is a drainage system
An efficient drainage system is very important for succulent growth and health. Excess water can cause the roots to rot, so it’s important to have proper drainage holes. Along with a well-drained system with coco peat, it helps retain enough moisture, allowing the excess water to drain. Balance is an important factor in succulents’ healthy growth.
Overwatering signs
The perfect balance of watering and drainage is very important. Over-watering can be harmful to succulent growth. If you see signs of yellowing leaves or mushy stems, it’s a sign of worry. This is a direct indication that plants are being over-watered. If you notice this, check the soil to see if it’s feeling soggy, and refrain from watering. Succulents that are healthy will have vibrant colors and firm leaves. Remember to adjust the watering to have optimal growth.
Contact Earth Scape to buy coco peat.
Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff at Earthscape who are experts about coir products.