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Why you need Cal-Mag in Coco Coir?

By Hydro Experts | 26 May 2022

Calcium and magnesium are two of the most important nutrients for plants, but they can be tricky to get right when growing in coco coir. This guide will explain why cal-mag is so important for coco coir growers, and how to properly supplement your plants with it.

Coco coir is a great growing medium for many reasons, but one of the downsides is that it can be difficult to maintain proper nutrient levels. This is because coco coir has a very high cation exchange capacity (CEC), which means it binds tightly to nutrients and makes them unavailable to plants.

This is why it's so important to use a cal-mag supplement when growing in coco coir - without it, your plants will likely suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and it plays a role in many important processes, including cell division, enzyme activity, and fruit set. Magnesium is also essential for plant growth, and it helps plants to use other nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus. Together, cal-mag supplements provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to thrive in coco coir.

When choosing a cal-mag supplement, look for one that is specifically formulated for coco coir growers. This will ensure that it contains the right ratio of calcium to magnesium and other important trace elements. Apply the supplement according to the manufacturer's instructions, and be sure to flush your plants regularly with fresh water to prevent nutrient buildup.

Yes, cal-mag can be mixed with other nutrients, but using the correct ratio is essential. This ensures that your plants get the proper nutrients and won't suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when mixing cal-mag with other nutrients as ratios can differ between manufacturers.

pH is an important factor in plant nutrition, and it can be tricky to maintain the correct pH level in coco coir. Coco coir has a naturally high pH, making it difficult for plants to uptake nutrients. Adding cal-mag to your nutrient solution can help to lower the pH and make it easier for plants to absorb nutrients.

It's important to monitor the pH of your nutrient solution regularly and adjust as needed. A typical target pH range for coco coir growers is 5.5-6.5.

It's recommended that you use cal-mag every time you water your plants, and this will ensure that they're getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. If you're using a coco coir specific cal-mag supplement, it's generally recommended to apply it at 2-4ml per litre of water.

Even though coco coir is buffered, cal-mag supplementation is still necessary. This is because the cation exchange capacity of coco coir (CEC) is so high that nutrients can become bound up and unavailable to plants. Using a cal-mag supplement can ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need to grow and thrive, which is why it's so important to use a cal-mag supplement when growing in coco coir. Without it, your plants will likely suffer from nutrient deficiencies.

The order in which you mix your hydroponic nutrients is important, and cal-mag should be added last. This is because cal-mag can lower the pH of your nutrient solution, and adding other nutrients after cal-mag can cause them to become less effective. Again, always follow the manufacturer's instructions when mixing cal-mag with other nutrients.

A quick tip: When using cal-mag, it's essential to flush your plants regularly with fresh water to prevent nutrient build-up. Too much cal-mag can lead to nutrient imbalances and even toxicity, so following the manufacturer's instructions is essential.

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