Section 10: Troubleshooting & Tips

  1. Why is my coir drying out too quickly? It may be under-hydrated or exposed to intense sun/wind. Try adding mulch or watering more frequently.
  1. Can coir become waterlogged? Rarely, but poor drainage or overly compacted coir can lead to saturation. Mix with perlite or sand if needed.
  1. What should I do if mould appears in coir pots or blocks? Coir resists mould. Under different environments and other mixes (soil, plant mix etc), this may occur. Allow better airflow, reduce watering, and move to a sunnier spot. Mould is usually harmless and temporary.
  1. How do I fix nutrient deficiencies in coir potting mix? Coir is inert, so use balanced fertilisers or organic feeds as recommended for your plant type.
  1. Can I compost used coir potting mix after a growing season? Yes, spent coir vital grow potting mix is a great addition to compost piles or garden beds as a brown carbon source.
  1. How do I know if coir vital grow potting mix is right for my soil/garden? Coir works in most environments. Try a small batch to compare results and see how your plants respond.
  1. Is coir potting mix or coco coir or coco peat the same as compost? No, coir is not a compost. Coir, also known as coco coir or coco peat, is a natural growing medium made from the fibrous husk of coconuts. It contains no decomposed organic matter like compost does. While compost is biologically active and nutrient-rich from the breakdown of plant materials, coir is an inert, pH-balanced medium that retains moisture well but has minimal nutrients. Coir is often used with compost or fertilisers to support healthy plant growth, but on its own, it does not serve the same function as compost. So be careful if someone is saying it’s compost, it’s possibly just for marketing purposes.  Which is misleading the consumer. That’s why we are clear that coir is not a compost, but just a potting mix.