Coco vs perlite for drainage.

[gbd]

I'm going to mix up a new batch of soil soon and was wondering if I could use coco in place of perlite to help with drainage and aeration, or does coco have the opposite effect since it retains water?

Thanks!

 

[Wait what?]

Good question. On it's Auto Blue Dream HSO says to use 30% coco for drainage, but I haven't found any info saying it's used the same way as perlite. Don't know if I should use both?

Hopefully, someone smarter than me will come along. It usually doesn't take long

 

[Eyes on Fire]

if your looking for drainage in coco or similar situations use perlite man.coco is gonna heavy up yer soil too much if you add it alone.you can use coco in your mixes as well,just washed n prepped accordingly with perlite or similar

 

[gbd]

if your looking for drainage in coco or similar situations use perlite man.coco is gonna heavy up yer soil too much if you add it alone.you can use coco in your mixes as well,just washed n prepped accordingly with perlite or similar

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks EoF, looks like I'll have to get some perlite after all!

 

[gbd]

Why do you think some seed companies recommend adding 30% coco to the soil of autos? I was under the impression that autos do better in fluffier, less dense soil.

 

[Wait what?]

Y'know what? They changed it. Removed the suggestion rather than change it to something else

 

[blessedinwashington]

It is for drainage. Dinafem recommends 30% Coco as well. I use 50% Fox Farm Happy Frog and 50% Botanicare Coco. The Botanicare also has perlite in it was well. Dinafem also recommends watering/feeding less quantity more often. On this last run of my XXL's, this is what I did. I watered 3-4 X a day. The trunks on these girls and the roots are amazing for the size of the plants.

 

[briman]

Spot on Blessed!! Drainage, best of a soil grow with having to water more for hydroish yield!!
Personally, i do perlite.

 

[gbd]

So, just for clarification, coco is used for aeration, correct? And as an added benefit it also retains moisture? Seems pretty great if it does both simultaneously!

 

[blessedinwashington]

What I like about the combo I use it it stays moist but is never wet. If you dig in there a bit it is the consistency of a new bag of potting soil. Just loose soft and a bit moist.