Transitioning Marijuana Plants: Replacing Soil with Coco Peat

Transitioning Marijuana Plants: Replacing Soil with Coco Peat

Coco coir, a popular growing medium for cannabis plants, offers benefits over traditional soil such as eco-friendliness, renewability, and cost-effectiveness. This versatile medium boasts excellent water retention, aeration, and drainage properties, leading to vigorous plant growth and higher yields.

To prepare coco coir for optimal growth, it is best to:

1. Use a combination mix of coco coir with compost, soil, and perlite to create a soft, well-aerated, and nutrient-rich medium.
2. Inoculate the medium with beneficial microbes by adding an aerated microbial tea (brewed for 1-2 days with molasses), enhancing nutrient availability and root health.
3. Ensure coco coir is properly buffered or rinsed to reduce excess sodium and chlorine before use.
4. Monitor and adjust the pH if necessary, as coco coir has a naturally balanced but slightly acidic pH.
5. Use a high-quality, coco-specific base nutrient mix like Bionova Coco Forte A+B, designed to meet coco coir’s nutrient uptake characteristics.

Key nutrients needed include:

• Macronutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) — important at different stages (vegetative vs. flowering).
• Secondary nutrients: Calcium and Magnesium to compensate for deficits in coco coir.
• Micronutrients: Iron, Boron, Zinc, and others, to support overall development.

When watering a cannabis plant in coco coir, aim for a high-frequency fertigation schedule, providing water every 1-2 days, achieving at least 10-20% runoff water, and using tools to remove the runoff water. Regularly check the pH of runoff to adjust for over-feeding or insufficient runoff.

Transplanting cannabis plants into coco coir requires extra preparation, such as rehydrating coco coir bricks and adding additional nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Transplanting a cannabis plant into coco coir involves carefully removing the plant from its soil, gently loosening the roots if necessary, placing it into the coco coir mixture, and watering it thoroughly.

Coco coir resists pests and diseases, providing a healthy growing environment. However, it's essential to monitor the plant for any signs of pests or bugs, and ensure that the plant has sufficient drainage by cutting holes in the bottom of solo cups or fabric pots.

After transplanting, it is important to monitor the plant closely and adjust its care as needed, such as increasing the frequency of watering, checking for signs of nutrient deficiencies, and maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Some nutrient products may contain organic ingredients that can cause issues with irrigation systems.

Maintaining the pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is essential for optimal nutrient absorption. When using coco coir, consider using fabric pots or air pots for better drainage and aeration, and adjust the size of the containers to achieve the correct air-to-water ratio for root growth.

Preparing the coco coir involves rehydrating it, adding water, nutrients, and optional additives like perlite, and maintaining a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Coco coir requires coco-specific nutrients, typically in two parts (Part A and Part B).

Reputable nutrient brands for coco coir include General Hydroponics' Flora trio plus Calimagic, Canna Coco A + B & Cal-Mag, and Fox Farms Nutrient Trio for Hydroponics & Cal-Mag. To check soil moisture, use the "napkin method" or insert your finger into the soil about 1-2 inches away from the stem. Pre-charge coco coir that hasn't been pre-buffered by soaking it in a nutrient solution before use.

Monitor EC levels to ensure appropriate nutrient concentrations for the growth stage of coco coir plants. Start with half-strength nutrients when introducing them to coco coir plants. Coco coir plants have higher calcium and magnesium requirements. The "Guaranteed Analysis" section on nutrient labels lists the concentration of each macro and micro-element.

In conclusion, mixing coco coir with organic amendments and perlite, inoculating with beneficial microbes, and using a nutrient regimen rich in calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients while maintaining proper pH creates an optimal environment for cannabis growth.

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