Coconut Fiber

Coconut Fiber Brush

Coconut fiber, also called coir, may be the most popular hydroponic medium because it is entirely organic and offers top performance in several hydroponic systems. It consists of the powdered husks of an actual coconut. A product that is essentially the waste product of the coconut industry becomes a key ingredient for productive growth of hydroponic gardens. Coconut fiber has many advantages associated with it. It has an oxygen capacity is larger than that of rockwool, another popular medium used in hydroponics. Even with the large oxygen capacity it still has superior water holding ability which becomes extremely critical for hydroponic systems that have intermittent water cycles. It is also high in root stimulating hormones that offer some protection against diseases, including root fungi.

Coconut Fiber Store

However, coconut fiber stores do not all supply the same quality. There is a lower grade of the coconut fiber that is commonly available that is very fine grained and high in sea salt. The results of the coconut fiber garden will be extremely disappointing if the quality of the fiber is not examined. The ideal coconut fiber is a light gold or yellow, and sometimes brown.

Coconut Fiber Garden

The use of coconut fiber is popular among many of the hydroponic systems. The wick system of hydroponic gardening benefits from this medium, as does the ebb and flow system. This is because the coconut fiber retains the water better which is helpful in systems where the roots have a great chance of drying out.

Coconut fiber is not exclusive to simply coconut fiber gardens. Coconut fiber body brushes are also popular in the beauty world because of its firm texture. This makes it useful as both a wet and dry brush for face and body. Another use of coconut fiber is for rope. Its firm hold makes it durable but because of the high water content in the bushels, the coconut fiber can decay easily in shipment. However, the benefit is that it is relatively water-proof and is the only natural fiber that is resistant to salt water damage.

Coconut fiber is not only beneficial in the textile industry and hydroponic gardening, but also normal cultivation as well. Shredded coconut fiber can be mixed in with the soil as mulch and to retain water better.