I sometimes use coir as a base for orchids, especially those which are
arborial.
Marty
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nina Shishkoff"
To: "Marty Haber" ;
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 9:18 AM
Subject: [IBC] Soil, heat, and watering restrictions...


Marty said:
The stuff you're referring to is called sphagnum moss.

It could also be coir, the fiber off of coconuts. It's used to line
hanging planters, and also as a soil additive. Some of my extension buddies
have tested it and found anti-root rot effects, although nothing very
significant (and sphagnum also has anti-fungal effects). It isn't as
water-retentive as sphagnum, but it can be used as a mulch, and in countries
with coconut industries, it is a cheap material (and using it is more
ecologically sound than using sphagnum).

Nina. Who has now said everything she knows about coir, so don't ask me
any questions.

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