looking for coconut husk chunks - Orchid Board

grassypeak · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 01:43 AM

Can someone give me a good online source for coconut husk chunks? I’m looking for the smaller size pieces.

Thanks,
Chris

Ray · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2005, 09:09 AM

How small?

Keep in mind that CHC holds a lot of water, so going a bit coarser than you might with bark would be appropriate, so you get lots of air flow to the root system.

Kris · #3 (**permalink**) 09-25-2005, 01:28 AM

I deal with Christina at Heronridge Farms, her phone number is 604-888-8194. i do not think she has a web site yet but i know she dose some mail order.

cporc · #4 (**permalink**) 09-27-2005, 06:16 PM

I use Crystal coco chips it seems to have less salts than the others I have tried.

Web page
http://www.crystal-company.com

Contact:

Crystal Company

Call 1-800-845-4777

Email web@crystal-company.com

Ray · #5 (**permalink**) 09-28-2005, 08:48 AM

Yeah, the Crystal stuff is good, but ALL CHC needs to be well rinsed before use!

From what I've read and heard (i.e., unverified info), coconuts naturally absorb lots of sodium chloride as they grow. Whether that is simply because of the proximity to salt water or as a protective mechanism - or both - I have no idea, but the fact is that coir products are loaded with it.

A lot of rinsing wiht clean water helps, but adding calcium nitrate or it and Epsom Salts to the rinse water greatly accelerates the cleaning process. It's sort of the opposite of a water softener - the Na ions are taken into solution and replaced with Ca and Mg ions.

Oscarman · #6 (**permalink**) 09-28-2005, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Yeah, the Crystal stuff is good, but ALL CHC needs to be well rinsed before use!

From what I've read and heard (i.e., unverified info), coconuts naturally absorb lots of sodium chloride as they grow. Whether that is simply because of the proximity to salt water or as a protective mechanism - or both - I have no idea, but the fact is that coir products are loaded with it.

A lot of rinsing wiht clean water helps, but adding calcium nitrate or it and Epsom Salts to the rinse water greatly accelerates the cleaning process. It's sort of the opposite of a water softener - the Na ions are taken into solution and replaced with Ca and Mg ions.

Can you recommend proportions of Epsom Salt to water for the soak? Is one soak in the Epsom Salt solution and then a plain water rinse sufficient?
I have always used a straight tap water soak with 3-5 water changes before using the husk and have not seem any symptoms of salt - root damage.