Rooting in Coir

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FMD

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Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414164575 · Edited	Reply with quote #1

I am by no means an expert on rooting and I continue to experiment but for now I have settled on coconut coir as my favorite method. There hasn't been much written about rooting in coir so allow me to start. I've tried almost every method out there starting with newspaper and sphagnum in a bag or plastic shoe-box, old and new baggie systems. directly planting in cups with perlite, moss, soil etc, root riot and most recently, a bucket propagator. Newspaper and sphagnum media make it difficult to control the proper amount of dampness. Usually, we tend to keep the media too damp because we are too nurturing of our cuttings, resulting in mold and gnats. Too little water or forgetting to check daily runs the risk of drying out the moss and killing the cuttings. Root Riot was great for rooting but the resulting high death rate after transplanting to cups ( RR acts like a sponge causing the plant to rot) was disappointing. My DIY bucket propagator looked and worked great but it rotted most of the cuttings. The few roots it produced were spindly and weak. Coir, on the other hand is a very forgiving medium. It requires minimal dampness and hardly ever needs re-watering during the course of the rooting process. Set it and forget it _Ron Popeil Another huge advantage to coir is that roots do not get tangled up like in some of the the other methods so there is little to no chance of damaging them during the potting phase. Last but not least, I am confident that roots formed in coir are thicker, stronger and more robust compared to those grown in moss or newspaper. Anyway, that's been my experience. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1414164848	Reply with quote #2

Roots look good. Do you control the temperature and the humidity some how? What's your process for transplanting them and growing them out?

cyberfarmer

Registered:1293483474
Posts: 544

Posted 1414165068	Reply with quote #3

Those roots look amazing! I have tried every method you mentioned and failed at all except sphagnum, which I have been very happy with. However, your roots look better than mine. Where can I get it? I just searched homedepot.com and it didn't come up. Hydro shop? __________________ Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414165378 · Edited	Reply with quote #4

Plain room temperature in covered plastic container. Usual transplanting method to 32 ounce cups of Promix. Yes, you can get coir at any hydroponic shop or have it delivered from Amazon. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1414165953	Reply with quote #5

Thanks for the write-up, Frank. You've convinced me to try it. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1414166541	Reply with quote #6

Frank, Is this the right stuff? Do you think it's enough to root 2-3 cuttings? Thanks http://www.ebay.com/itm/10oz-Hydroponic-Growing-Media-Coconut-Fiber-Coco-Coir-Organic-Peat-Greenhouse-/141352285158?pt=Planters_Pots&hash=item20e940b3e6 __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

Ampersand

Registered:1389979527
Posts: 728

Posted 1414167065	Reply with quote #7

Coir is sometimes in pet shops for amphibian bedding, too.

RobSter010

Registered:1398968149
Posts: 64

Posted 1414167550	Reply with quote #8

Thanks for showing this method Frank! Is that Ponte Tresa? If so you've beaten me and i would be pretty disappointed haha. __________________ Rotterdam / Holland - Zone 8

ADelmanto

Registered:1359774201
Posts: 911

Posted 1414167648	Reply with quote #9

I've never tried coir but I heard rave reviews about it at the trade shows last winter. Your roots do look great but I try not to let them get that big before up-potting. (From sphagnum moss). I'm looking for a direct potting method. Possibly a Coir / Pro Mix HP blend. I'm going to try rooting in Coir and direct potting next spring. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/From-The-Ground-Up-403313193085649/

Rewton

Registered:1291943117
Posts: 1,946

Posted 1414167907	Reply with quote #10

I seem to remember that there is a grade of coir that should be avoided for plant media - perhaps because of it brings the pH too high or low? If anyone knows anything about this please chime in. Getting the grade they recommend at a hydroponic store is probably a good bet. __________________ Steve MD zone 7a

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414168892	Reply with quote #11

Quote: Originally Posted by FiggyFrank Frank, Is this the right stuff? Do you think it's enough to root 2-3 cuttings? Thanks http://www.ebay.com/itm/10oz-Hydroponic-Growing-Media-Coconut-Fiber-Coco-Coir-Organic-Peat-Greenhouse-/141352285158?pt=Planters_Pots&hash=item20e940b3e6 That should be fine for a few cuttings, Frank. Hydrating these bricks really expands them to much larger volumes. Good luck. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

eboone

Registered:1378418906
Posts: 1,101

Posted 1414168912 · Edited	Reply with quote #12

I think that some readily available 'seed starting' products are coir, like this one from Burpee: http://www.burpee.com/seed-starting/seed-starting-mixes/concentrated-seed-starting-mix-prod002893.html;jsessionid=B8E2D0C408F027A76C9B650E8E411824.node5?omn2pd=bz&catId=2210&trail= I saw these at local Lowes, other stores this spring. I have not tried using them, yet. __________________ Ed Zone 6A - Southwest PA --------------------------- Short wish list: CDDG, LSU Red, Dark Greek (Navid), Col Littman's Black Cross. And any cold hardy early fig.

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414169826	Reply with quote #13

Quote: Originally Posted by RobSter010 Thanks for showing this method Frank! Is that Ponte Tresa? If so you've beaten me and i would be pretty disappointed haha. I wish that were so, Rob. The one pictured is one of the last of the Mykonos cuttings. It took a while but it has finally burst out with roots. The PT's are biding their time but I am sure they will also burst out soon. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

leon_edmond

Registered:1188903453
Posts: 923

Posted 1414174850	Reply with quote #14

Frank, Very helpful thanks for posting. How do you hydrate the coir? Do you soak in water and squeeze out the excess? What has been your method for attaining the right moisture level? What size container are you using? Thanks, LE

drphil69

Registered:1390113240
Posts: 803

Posted 1414202248	Reply with quote #15

Nice looking roots! Ok, now I have to try coir. __________________ Phil - Zone 7A - Newark, DE Newbie fig lover just trying to learn.

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414204543	Reply with quote #16

Hi Leon, thanks for the comment. I guestimate the amount of water I add to the coir. It's hard to over do it. Mildly damp coir seems to work well. The container in the picture is 12 x8 x3 inches but you can use any size really. Unless the rooting process takes more than 6 weeks, the coir doesn't usually need any further hydration. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

indestructible87

Registered:1368407095
Posts: 548

Posted 1414208897	Reply with quote #17

Thanks for posting this frank. I think I'm gonna try this this year. From my experience with buying the stuff for pets, pet stores will usually be a bit more expensive, amazon is a lot cheaper. __________________ Travis Pittsburgh, PA

americanfiglover

Registered:1236649731
Posts: 643

Posted 1414210052	Reply with quote #18

Look amazing. It's nice how new methods of rooting these plants keeps coming forward. Sometime I believe it's part of the fig's plans to keep their genes going. I still remember when Ultimate Potting Mix was the thing to use. __________________ Jarrett Spokane, WA ZONE 6A Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present Everyone should have a green thumb Figs: Nero600m

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1414286567	Reply with quote #19

Frank, Thanks for sharing the info and pictures. I'm also a Coco Coir advocate for rooting and growing out healthy cuttings. . Steve, The Coir fines should be specifically processed for plant potting mix, otherwise there may be problems with both salts and pH. The Coir starts out with ~ 5.5 pH which works well for dormant cuttings, because it reduces microbial growth. I use Plant-It Coco Coir Fines distributed by Hydrofarm... a popular Hydroponics manufacturer. I've also used the Burpee Organic Coir seed starting mix and it worked as well, but was not available locally this past season. My local Hydroponics store, The Grow Room, http://www.thegrowroom.com/ has Canna Coco which is also specifically processed for plants.

americanfiglover

Registered:1236649731
Posts: 643

Posted 1414305662	Reply with quote #20

^^^ Those roots!! __________________ Jarrett Spokane, WA ZONE 6A Proudly Serving in the United States Armed Forces, 2009-Present Everyone should have a green thumb Figs: Nero600m

paully22

Registered:1195324538
Posts: 2,719

Posted 1414330225	Reply with quote #21

Looks great Frank.Would get my brother to try the coir method. He is in similar zone -- tropics.

Frankallen

Registered:1371842383
Posts: 994

Posted 1414330893	Reply with quote #22

Hey Frank, thanks for posting! You Da Man! Will have to try that stuff! : ) __________________ Frank from Bama- Zone 7-b Alabama .................................................... "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever". Mahatma Gandhi

RichinNJ

Registered:1374784282
Posts: 1,687

Posted 1414334867	Reply with quote #23

Quote: Originally Posted by ascpete Frank, Thanks for sharing the info and pictures. I'm also a Coco Coir advocate for rooting and growing out healthy cuttings. . Steve, The Coir fines should be specifically processed for plant potting mix, otherwise there may be problems with both salts and pH. The Coir starts out with ~ 5.5 pH which works well for dormant cuttings, because it reduces microbial growth. I use Plant-It Coco Coir Fines distributed by Hydrofarm... a popular Hydroponics manufacturer. I've also used the Burpee Organic Coir seed starting mix and it worked as well, but was not available locally this past season. My local Hydroponics store, The Grow Room, http://www.thegrowroom.com/ has Canna Coco which is also specifically processed for plants. Good looking roots I was at the Grow Room yesterday. Bought another stack of 20 gal Grow Pro pots

cyberfarmer

Registered:1293483474
Posts: 544

Posted 1414464662	Reply with quote #24

Frank, I just received this coir block: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MOD2HY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Could you please tell me how to hydrate it for rooting? Is it basically the same as moss? Soak it in a bucket of water, strain it, then squeeze it until you can barely get another drop out? __________________ Paul the Fig Tree Destroyer in Fallbrook, CA (Zone 10A )

Elfarach

Registered:1409716614
Posts: 288

Posted 1414473420 · Edited	Reply with quote #25

Just picked up a brick from my local hydroponics store, $1.95... Soaking it overnight and putting it to work tomorrow... Thanks for the info... __________________ Simon C. So. Cal (El Monte) Zone 10a Wish list: Adriatic JH, Raspberry Latte, Violet de Sollies, Col de Dame Black, Ischia Black, Takoma Violet

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1414476004	Reply with quote #26

Quote: Originally Posted by ascpete Frank, Thanks for sharing the info and pictures. I'm also a Coco Coir advocate for rooting and growing out healthy cuttings. . Steve, The Coir fines should be specifically processed for plant potting mix, otherwise there may be problems with both salts and pH. The Coir starts out with ~ 5.5 pH which works well for dormant cuttings, because it reduces microbial growth. I use Plant-It Coco Coir Fines distributed by Hydrofarm... a popular Hydroponics manufacturer. I've also used the Burpee Organic Coir seed starting mix and it worked as well, but was not available locally this past season. My local Hydroponics store, The Grow Room, http://www.thegrowroom.com/ has Canna Coco which is also specifically processed for plants. Yeap, same here. Been rooting in the coco since the Spring and very happy! Just in a transparent shoe box, opening once every few days for the roots and getting some fresh air in. Coco has a very nice hydro qualities that are suitable for figs. __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1414490679 · Edited	Reply with quote #27

Quote: Originally Posted by cyberfarmer Frank, I just received this coir block: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MOD2HY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Could you please tell me how to hydrate it for rooting? Is it basically the same as moss? Soak it in a bucket of water, strain it, then squeeze it until you can barely get another drop out? Yes, that's pretty much all you need to do. You will find that it rarely needs to be wrung out. Coir can absorb quite a bit of water without getting overly saturated. It is the forgiving medium. Glad some of you are giving it a try. Please post pictures of your successes when available. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

ADelmanto

Registered:1359774201
Posts: 911

Posted 1414493229	Reply with quote #28

Ascpete, Could you root in cups and just leave them in there until they are ready to up-pot? Would it be beneficial to hydrate with a water soluble fert if one were planning on leaving them in there for a while? __________________ https://www.facebook.com/From-The-Ground-Up-403313193085649/

ascpete

Registered:1336096379
Posts: 1,942

Posted 1414503227	Reply with quote #29

ADelmanto, My current preferred procedure for dormant cuttings is to root directly in 2 Liter SIPs which are kept above 70*F and 85% RH, yes they can be rooted directly in cups or pots. I hydrate the Coco Coir with a dilute water soluble fertilizer @ 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of warm water at the required amount on the Coir instructions. The rooted cuttings usually outgrow the SIP within 3 months. IMO, the usual problems of over or under watering occur when standard cups or containers and normal top watering procedures are used.

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1414528333	Reply with quote #30

I just pick this up always like to try new ways to root................. Made of 100% pure compressed coconut husks, Roots Organics Coco Fiber is a terrific addition to your planting mixes, possessing a near perfect natural pH level of 5.2-6.3 for ideal nutrient plant intake. Coconut husks are aged and composted for 2 years, shredded and carefully washed to remove sodium. Specifically designed for an optimum air to water ratio. Available size: 5 Kilo Compressed Bale (12-1/2″W x 12-3/4″H x 5-1/4″ D) DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Soak compressed bale in water to expand. One 5-kilo bale makes around 2 cubic feet or 16 gallons (65-70 liters) of expanded media. __________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

Registered:1352993559
Posts: 412

Posted 1416677759	Reply with quote #31

I always get loads of mold when I try rooting in moss. I gave up. No mold………. yet. I tried these http://www.ebay.com/itm/161283420988?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

jc_figs

Registered:1416095240
Posts: 351

Posted 1416678614	Reply with quote #32

so coir is like dirt __________________ Name JAILEN feel free to call me jc ........wish list...... black madeira ,ischia b lack, green ischia, patrics super giant, rdv, negronne, maltese falcon, lsu gold, lsu purple, lsu tiger, lounge d out, golden, celeste, black jack, black mission, brunswick, blue ischia, panache, strawberry latte, armenian, mvsb, col de dame, col de dame grise, col de dame noir, hardy chicago, peters honey, peti negri, unknowns, magnolia, kathleen black, labanese, and any othere except bt, and celeste improved bt or celeste are fine ,cuttings/plants zone 8a goldsboro north carolina. I'm proved Celeste or BT welcome!! figs growing brown turkey celeste and unknown yellow fig

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1416679120	Reply with quote #33

no, like bark __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

joann1536

Registered:1409975734
Posts: 274

Posted 1416679989	Reply with quote #34

Impressive root system going on there. Thanks for the writeup, Frank. Sounds like coir is definitely worth a try. __________________ USDA Zone 9b Wish list: Abruzzi, Pasquale, Tagliacozzo, Zingarella, Godfather. Any unk Italian, especially from Abruzzo.

Dave

Registered:1312388324
Posts: 1,482

Posted 1416680071 · Edited	Reply with quote #35

__________________ Connecticut - Zone 6B Wish List - Bordissot negra rimada

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1416684556	Reply with quote #36

Fully covering the cuttings in coir gives better results. The one pictured is a precious one indeed! Thank you Rob Ster for uniting me with my Ponte Tresa. Attached Images image.jpg (500.94 KB, 169 views) image.jpg (274.63 KB, 175 views) __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

jc_figs

Registered:1416095240
Posts: 351

Posted 1416684655	Reply with quote #37

thanks for the video __________________ Name JAILEN feel free to call me jc ........wish list...... black madeira ,ischia b lack, green ischia, patrics super giant, rdv, negronne, maltese falcon, lsu gold, lsu purple, lsu tiger, lounge d out, golden, celeste, black jack, black mission, brunswick, blue ischia, panache, strawberry latte, armenian, mvsb, col de dame, col de dame grise, col de dame noir, hardy chicago, peters honey, peti negri, unknowns, magnolia, kathleen black, labanese, and any othere except bt, and celeste improved bt or celeste are fine ,cuttings/plants zone 8a goldsboro north carolina. I'm proved Celeste or BT welcome!! figs growing brown turkey celeste and unknown yellow fig

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1416692421	Reply with quote #38

I bought a brick of coir a couple weeks ago. Looking forward to trying it out soon. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

indestructible87

Registered:1368407095
Posts: 548

Posted 1416705994	Reply with quote #39

I imagine rooting directly in cups with coir should work right? __________________ Travis Pittsburgh, PA

FMD

Registered:1309800590
Posts: 1,327

Posted 1416743938	Reply with quote #40

Travis, I haven't tried it but see no reason why it shouldn't. __________________ Frank Tallahassee, FL Zone 8b North Florida Figs

Mario_1

Registered:1398299123
Posts: 407

Posted 1416755543	Reply with quote #41

I'm new at this so take anything I say whit a grain of salt. Last march i put some cuttings in cups, and I had some single nodes left over from trimming the cutting, not to let them go to waist I put them in cups just like the cuttings. To my surprise the rate of success was better whit single nodes then the regular cuttings. I am assuming the reason being the single nodes were not as close to the bottom of the cups and did not drown from over watering? Like I said I am new at this, so please take that in consideration. __________________ Wallingford CT, USA zone 6a would be happy to meet and get together with other members near me Wish list; Any fig from any specific place anywhere in Italy

greenfig

Registered:1359790036
Posts: 3,182

Posted 1416775389	Reply with quote #42

Here is mine rooted in coco. It will be repotted in a cup with coco+perlite mix and be kept outside. The easy part is over and another celebration would be at a 3 months mark! __________________ wish list: Violeta, Calderona. USDA z 10a, SoCal

RobSter010

Registered:1398968149
Posts: 64

Posted 1416786902	Reply with quote #43

Looking good Frank! Glad i could help! Here's a pic of my Ponte Tresa's slightly ahead of yours. Rob __________________ Rotterdam / Holland - Zone 8

schaplin

Registered:1392175246
Posts: 662

Posted 1416796081	Reply with quote #44

OK now I know what to do with all the coir I bought. Now if I can just find it again... I think right after the move (Black Friday) I'm going to start a few cuttings. __________________ Wish List: @Hmari, @Maltese beauty, @Col de Dame Grise, @Bryant Dark, @Lynhurst White, @Melcedonia Dark, @Panevino Dark, @Paradiso

andreas

Registered:1401724296
Posts: 372

Posted 1416808796	Reply with quote #45

@ Igor and Rob great work guys!!! __________________ andreas-patras Patra Peloponnisos Greece zone..9a

indestructible87

Registered:1368407095
Posts: 548

Posted 1419910960	Reply with quote #46

I under estimated how far this stuff will go. Is there a way to store leftover coir, after its been soaked and squeezed? Will it still be viable come spring time? __________________ Travis Pittsburgh, PA

Hershell

Registered:1396922438
Posts: 650

Posted 1419911934	Reply with quote #47

Yes it will be good. It is used as reusable soil to grow cut flowers in. After the crop is harvested, the coir is steamed, sieved to remove root debrie and is then reused. __________________ Hershell Zone 8. Ray City, Ga.

FiggyFrank

Registered:1347560723
Posts: 2,713

Posted 1419947467	Reply with quote #48

Quote: Originally Posted by indestructible87 I under estimated how far this stuff will go. Is there a way to store leftover coir, after its been soaked and squeezed? Will it still be viable come spring time? I asked (Frank) FMD this question and he says he microwaves it before using it again to renew it. He's had no problems. But with anything, YMMV. __________________ Frank zone 7a - VA

brianm

Registered:1389664758
Posts: 971

Posted 1420003416	Reply with quote #49

Just bought a few bricks today can't wait! __________________ Wish list: Galicia Negra,UC Davis Black Ischia, Maltese Raven

aaa

Registered:1377344072
Posts: 75

Posted 1420016247	Reply with quote #50

hi fmd just curious to know what variety of fig you have pictured under your name? __________________ aaa

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