12 Facts About Coir

Coir, called coconut fibre, is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of coconut and used in products such as floor mats, doormats, brushes, mattresses and from cotton flax plant was discovered.

Coir is the fibrous material found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut.

Coir fibre is locally named 'coprah' in some countries, adding to confusion.

Coir fibres are found between the hard, internal shell and the outer coat of a coconut.

Coir pith is high in sodium and potassium, it is treated before use as a growth medium for plants or fungi by soaking in a calcium buffering solution; most coir sold for growing purposes is said to be pre-treated.

Coir is naturally rich in potassium, which can lead to magnesium and calcium deficiencies in soilless horticultural media.

Coir fiber is rarely used as a potting material, except for orchids, and does not need buffering, as it has a very low cation-exchange capacity capacity, hence not retaining salts.

Coir does provide a suitable substrate for horticultural use as a soilless potting medium.

Coir has the disadvantage of being extremely sensitive to the Leucocoprinus greenhouse fungus.

Coir is useful to deter snails from delicate plantings, and as a growing medium in intensive glasshouse horticulture.

Coir can be used as a terrarium substrate for reptiles or arachnids.

Coir is an allergen, as well as the latex and other materials used frequently in the treatment of coir.