If you are still wondering the difference between Coco Peat vs Coco Coir, you’ve just landed onto the right page.

Both Coir and peat are sustainable ways to keep your plants healthier grow stronger and lush green. Here we will be walking you through the differences, similarities, and uses of Coco Peat and Coco Coir.

For a basic understanding firstly coco coir and coco peat both are extracted fibrous husk of the coconut made from the same material. Coco peat also known as pith is more of a fine powdery texture, whereas Coco coir also called fiber has a more fibrery structure as suggested by its name.

Distinctive Features of Coco Noir and Coco Peat

Here are a few differences in characteristics of Coco Coir and Coco Peat which distinct them from each other.

• Color and Texture: Coco coir is brown in color with more of a fibrous structure, whereas Coco peat is finer and powderier with a dark brown color.

• Difference in PH Value: Ph levels of Coco Coir ranges from 6 to 6.8, whereas Coco peat tends to be more towards a lower side ranging from 5.5 to 6.5.

• Water and Drainage: Unlike other characteristics both Coco Coir and Coco peat differs in their water and drainage properties. Coco peat in this property has an edge by a long margin as it can hold up to around eight times than its weight of water. Coco coir as its fibrous can hold its structure increasing the drainage of water and provide exceptional aeration.

• Raw Material: As discussed earlier that these are extracted from the same material that is the outer husk of the coconut, but what makes them apart from each other is their process. Coir is more of grinded or granulated process of the fibers whereas Peat is the processing after the fibers are removed. 

• Nutrition Value: Coco Peat generally comprises of more nutrients like phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium, on the other hand Coco Coir is less nutrient in comparison but provides natural rooting hormones improving in plant development. 

Suggested Read: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Coconut Coir in Wholesale

Similarities and advantages of Coco Coir & Coco Peat

Now as we have discussed the differences, there are some common characteristics advantages for both Coco Coir and Coco peat discussed below.

• Both Coco Coir and Coco peat are considered as environment friendly options. When you are looking for an organic and sustainable option anyone of them can be on top of your preferred choice.

• They both are extracted from outer coconut husk.

• Both equally provides strong growth of roots providing an improved soil structure.

• They both provide good water and drainage system preventing the water from pooling holding the water well.

• Commonly both known for growing of plants and other uses such as enhancement of soil and container gardening.

• Light in weight and easier to handle.

• PH values at similar levels which are favorable for plants.

• Same in application for both agriculture and horticulture.

• Ability to mix in with other soil supplements, fertilizers and nutrients giving a perfect blend for the plants to grow.

Coco Peat or Coco Coir? What is best for you?

Unlike many other users if you are still confused which one is the best for you, we are here to help you out.As we know one size does not fit all, we will be discussing the advantages and disadvantages will help you decide which is the best alternate for you.

Coco Coir

Advantages: Coir is considered tough taking time to break down. Coir offers a strong everlasting structure to your pots and mixes the soil perfectly. It has a water holding quality. Coir is considered as an excellent growing product. Coir normally breaks down slowly without effecting much of the nutritious value. With aneutral PH value, it is electrical conductivity reliability.

Disadvantages: If we talk about the disadvantage of Coir, we can say it has a low nutrient value, but this can be also considered good depending on your usage. It can be good for hydroponics. The nitrogen levels are low so you may require to monitor the plants growth. The pH value may also start to decay over time. Coco Coir is required to by hydrated before use. Qualities of Coir can vary depending on the supplier. 

Coco peat

Advantages: Coco peat most available in dry forms can get difficult to press in seeds or discs as compared to coir bricks. Peats are very nutritious and is more responsive. It absorbs the water very quickly and breaks down like a normal garden compost. The nutrients are soaked very fast. Coco peat provides in cultivating healthy soils and has loads of microbes.

Disadvantages: Coco peat can be difficult to find and is not easily available. Not many people can easily distinguish it with Coir and considered they are the same. As it has characteristics of strong potassium and nitrogen you have to keep a close eye on the fertilization.  Peat should be kept moist but avoid making it soggy. Peat can cause respiratory problems due to its dusty nature

Can Coco Coir and Coco peat be mixed?

Mixing Coir and peat together is a great idea. It perfectly complements each other characteristics giving you the ultimate blend increasing aeration and water retention capabilities for your plants helping them grow faster and stronger at earliest.

To buy Coco peat contact Earth Scape who is a leading coco peat manufacturers.

See Also:

• 5 Advantages of Coco Peat for Hydroponics