What's the Best Ratio of Coconut Water to Water to Promote Plant Growth?
To make a potent growth stimulant, you can mix coconut water with plain water. But it’s important to note that different ratios of coconut water affect growth differently.
So How Much Coconut Water Should I Use?
Plant growth is most positively affected at a ratio of around 15ml coconut water per litre of water. In gallons, this is around 2.5 fl. oz per gallon. Not only does this encourage bigger and faster growth than synthetic rooting hormones, but it promotes significantly bigger and stronger plants and initiates a much higher number of offshoots and flower buds.
Why Coconut Water?
Coconut water is a nutrient-rich liquid found inside green, unripe coconuts. It is packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and growth-promoting hormones that can greatly benefit your plants. Here’s why you should consider incorporating coconut water into your gardening routine:
Rich in Nutrients: Coconut water is a natural source of vital nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins B and C. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and overall health.
Growth Hormones: Coconut water contains cytokinins, auxins and other plant growth hormones that initiate cell division and promote healthy root development. This results in stronger, more robust plants.
Stress Reduction: Coconut water can help reduce stress in plants caused by environmental factors like heat, drought, or transplant shock. It acts as a natural stress reliever, aiding in quicker recovery.
Disease Resistance: The nutrients in coconut water can enhance a plant’s immune system, making it more resistant to pests and diseases.
Improved Soil Health: When used as a soil conditioner, coconut water can improve soil structure and microbial activity, leading to healthier and more fertile soil.
To reap the benefits of using coconut water for plants, let’s explore how to use coconut water effectively in your gardening routine.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Unripe green coconuts (packaged coconut water is pasteurized so it will not work).
- A container for collecting the coconut water.
- A watering can or spray bottle.
- A measuring cup.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Harvest or Purchase Coconut Water: If you have access to fresh, green coconuts, simply collect the coconut water by cracking open the coconut.
Dilute with Water: Coconut water is potent, so it’s essential to dilute it before using it on your plants. Use 15ml of coconut water per litre of water (or 2.5 fl. oz of coconut water per gallon of water)
Watering Your Plants: Use the diluted coconut water as you would regular water for your plants. Water the soil around the base of your plants rather than the leaves. This allows the roots to absorb the nutrients and hormones effectively.
Foliar Spray: For an extra boost, you can also use the diluted coconut water as a foliar spray. Spray it evenly on the leaves of your plants, ensuring to spray the undersides. This helps improve nutrient absorption and protect against pests.
Consistency is Key: While coconut water is beneficial, you’ll also want to use a fertiliser for mature plants that need high NPKs. Aim to apply it once every 2-4 weeks during the growing season to help plants absorb nutrients.
Can I Use Bottled or Powdered Coconut Water on Plants?
Bottled and powdered coconut waters are heat pasteurized, which kills the amino acids and hormones so they can no longer work to promote plant growth. Make sure to steer clear of any coconut waters that have a strong scent, as these products will have flavours that aren’t tested for plants.
Fresh is Best!
But not all of us are lucky enough to live in a tropical paradise, which is why we invented Groconut Horticultural Coconut Water. It’s manufactured differently to other coconut waters and doesn’t undergo hard pasteurization, so the bio-active enzymes and hormones remain in the formula.