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For best results with Char Coir compressed products, use a drip irrigation system to rehydrate them. Apply 5% ‘shots’ every 15-20 minutes until saturation. This will ensure the complete hydration of your substrate and will restore its interstitial pores – giving your plants roots access the perfect amount water, nutrients, and air. Hydrating in one consecutive event or by hand won’t be as
effective in returning these micro-pores to the ideal air-to-water ratio. If you must rehydrate in either of these fashions, check out the ‘Potting Culture’ section for how to best prepare your substrate for transplant!

For optimal potting culture with Char Coir, it is critical to ensure that the substrate offers the right balance for plant health. When gradually rehydrating with a drip irrigation system, the coir expands naturally. When hand-watering or using a single watering event to hydrate compressed Char Coir, it’s essential to aerate the substrate thoroughly after expansion to restore its structure. This manual step is crucial for reintroducing the ideal air-to-water ratio and ensuring the coir’s micro-pores are optimal for root access. For both methods, ensure even distribution without over-compaction for the healthiest root environment. Always aim for a loosely structured substrate that supports unrestricted root growth and optimal nutrient uptake. Once you’ve got your substrate prepared and are ready to transplant, see the ‘Transplanting’ section.

Now that you’ve got your substrate rehydrated and brought back to life, it’s time to transplant!

Transplanting Into the Final Substrate:

For smaller starts such as propagation cells or Coco Coins, the transition into their final growing medium is a delicate process. An hour after the lights come on, initiate one irrigation event, ranging from 2-5% of the final substrate’s volume, daily. Continue this routine until the substrate’s volumetric water content (VWC) reaches 20-30%. Once achieved, adjust the irrigation to bring the substrate back up to its field capacity, ensuring a moist environment that promotes healthy root growth. Repeat this cycle 1-2 times until the substrate is well-rooted, after which you can shift to the grower’s preferred irrigation strategy.

Transplanting Onto the Final Substrate:

When introducing larger substrates like the 1/2 gallon Bio Pot or rockwool cubes onto the final medium, a different
approach is needed. Begin with several small irrigation shots, about 2-5% of the initial product volume, spaced out an hour after lights on and intermittently throughout the day. Allow 1-2 hours of rest between these irrigation events. This process should continue until the final substrate also attains a VWC of 20-30%. Repeat this cycle 1-2 times until the substrate is well-rooted, after which you can shift to the grower’s preferred irrigation strategy.

Special Consideration for Rockwool to Coco Transplants:

When transplanting from rockwool to coco, be mindful of the irrigation frequency and volume. Coco coir’s greater absolute matric potential can wick water from the rockwool before your plant can access it, hindering growth. Adjust your watering regimen to ensure consistent moisture and avoid dehydration of the rockwool cube. These practices are designed to ensure a seamless transition during transplanting, setting the stage for robust growth and bountiful yields. Remember, the art of transplanting is as much about patience and precision as it is about understanding the unique needs of your plants and their growing environment.”