Coconuts for potting soil

[BURR]

Greetings,
I’m Burr the new guy. I want to know about planting soil!
I can’t just go down to the corner and buy some. I read that Orchids like coconuts but which part? I have all the coconuts in the world so how do I use them to mix a potting soil, do I use the hard inter-shell or the soft outer part, and do I grind or chip the shell?
Then do I put it in a pot with good drainage or do I put it in a moss?

TIA,

[CodiMN]

Hi Burr! I know here in the States, some people use the coconut husk fibers for some orchids. Not sure about the soft outer shell seeing is here in Minnesota, I hardly see coconuts in their natural state! You lucky guy! What kind of orchids do you grow?

[BURR]

Originally Posted by CodiMN

Hi Burr! I know here in the States, some people use the coconut husk fibers for some orchids. Not sure about the soft outer shell seeing is here in Minnesota, I hardly see coconuts in their natural state! You lucky guy! What kind of orchids do you grow?

I don't know what "kind" of Orchids I am growing yet. I'm a new guy to the art/sport & pass time. I posted pictures on my greetings post a few days ago, maybe you can help.

[jrhennek]

Burr
The coconut that is used is the outer husk that is dried, chopped, and washed. The coconut is cut into 1/4" to 3/4" peices. I have useed coconut on Phal, Catt, Den, with coconut as the only thing in the pot. Coconut drains well and dose not break down very fast.

Jayme

[BURR]

Originally Posted by jrhennek

Burr
The coconut that is used is the outer husk that is dried, chopped, and washed. The coconut is cut into 1/4" to 3/4" peices. I have useed coconut on Phal, Catt, Den, with coconut as the only thing in the pot. Coconut drains well and dose not break down very fast.

Jayme

Thank you, that is just what I wanted to know.

Then put it in pots or I may build some wood boxes from coconut tree wood and hang them with good drainage.

Thank you very much.

[Becca]

I am not sure of the process, but I know that coconut husk chips (chc) need to go through a washing process before you can use them in a potting medium. If you use the coconut husk fiber instead of the chips, you will need to water the orchid daily. I am sure someone else will be able to give advice on how to wash/rinse the chips as I remember someone asking about it recently.

[flhiker]

Burr, I have several Dendrobiums that are in pots with chunks of Coconut husk. This the part that is between the coconut shell and the outside shinny skin. Two or three chunk per pot (2 for small pots and 3 for larger ones). Cut them to fit from the bottom of the pot to the bottom of the rim or about 3/4" of a inch from the top. Put your plant between the chunks and secure plant with stick till the plant attach's to the husk.Now I have heard that coconut has a lot of salt so you need to soak the chunks in clear water a couple time to help remove it. I am having no problems with this kind of medium so far I have only been growing for a year but my plants are doing great. When I go to re pot to larger size I will just transfer the existing coconut husk with plant and put Aliflor pellets around it.

[BURR]

Thank you Dave & Becca (just had a shaker as I type "small") I am starting to understand and I see how they are planted now with coconut.

Thanks

[Ray]

Sorry I'm jumping in so late on the conversation, but I am aware of three separate parts of the coconut that are commonly used in orchid growing:

• The pith surrounding the hard shell is what is chopped up and sold as "coconut husk chips", as has been stated. Soaking them for a couple days in calcium nitrate and/or magnesium sulfate (Epsom Salts) solutions helps attract the naturally stored sodium chloride, which can be toxic to the plants. The CHC is a great medium for water-holding capacity.
• That pith, if shredded, is sold as "coconut husk fiber" or "gorilla hair", and it is a good medium for stuff that likes to dry out quickly.
• The shell of the coconut, once the copra is removed, can be used as a pot!

[BURR]

Thanks Ray