How to Mix Coco Coir and Perlite

The 70/30 recipe of coco and perlite is the starting point. It hardens or softens depending on whether you water daily or leave for the weekend.

Recipes

Tomato and pepper in pots: 60% coco, 25% perlite, 15% vermiculite. Indoor (monstera, pothos): 50% coco, 30% perlite, 20% clay at the bottom. Seedling tray: 80% fine coco, 20% perlite, no clay.

Hydrate the coco beforehand. Mix in a tarp or large basin until uniform color. The perlite rises: do not blow; dampen a bit so it doesn't fly away.

Fertilization

Coco does not provide nutrients. Start fertilizing at the first watering after transplanting with a mild NPK. If reusing the mix, sift out roots and add 20% new perlite: coco breaks down and loses air.

Signs the mix is failing

Puddle 10 minutes after watering: lack of perlite or drainage. Plant asking for water every 12 hours in 25 L: excess perlite or small pot. Yellow leaves with wet substrate: suffocation, not yet a lack of iron.

What We Recommend at Control Garden

Packs of clay + perlite + vermiculite and coco in 11 L or 70 L. You mix it all at once and forget about buying three separate bags by eye.