Other media

In this subcategory, you will find products that allow you to customize the structure of the growing medium, whether your goal is seedling cultivation, ornamental plant or home garden vegetable and fruit growing, or even professional hydroponic cultivation. This includes Oasis, which is used in floristry. The most common alternative media and their uses Perlite A volcanic-origin, heat-treated, expanded, lightweight, white, porous material that improves soil aeration and drainage, loosens the medium; ideal for seedling cultivation, repotting, orchid or cactus media, and hydroponics. Since it has a neutral pH and contains no nutrients, it can be well combined with other nutrient-rich media. Vermiculite A natural mineral that is expanded after heat treatment; it can retain both water and nutrients in its pores. It is characterized by excellent water and nutrient retention and good aeration. Ideal for starting seedlings, cuttings, and moisture-loving plants. It can be well combined with perlite or peat/coconut fiber to balance water and air management. Coconut fiber A natural alternative to peat, organic, neutral pH, with good water and air properties. It is characterized by excellent water retention and good aeration, making it recommended for houseplants, seedling cultivation, and balcony gardening alike. The coconut fiber + perlite/vermiculite combination works especially well when you want a looser, well-aerated, but still water-retentive medium. Clay granules A root-fixing, draining medium, often used as a medium for hydroponic or potted plants, or to fill pot saucers. Also suitable for decorative purposes. When is it worth using an alternative/supplementary medium? • If you are growing plants in pots, containers, balcony boxes, or tubs, and the natural soil is too compact, with poor water and air management. • For seedling cultivation, sowing, or cuttings, a loose, well-aerated, but also adequately water- and nutrient-retentive medium is needed for proper root growth. • For soilless cultivation (hydroponics, water culture), where the medium only provides support and the nutrient solution is the main source of nutrients (e.g., Lechuza). • For plants that are sensitive to stagnant water or overly compact soil (orchids, cacti, succulents, tropical plants, ornamental plants). • If you want to provide better water and air management for your plants, prevent root rot, and develop stable, healthy root systems. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. When should I mix perlite into the growing medium? Perlite is worth using when you want to loosen the soil, improve its drainage and aeration—for example, for seedling cultivation, orchids, cacti, or potted plants. 2. Is vermiculite good for edible and balcony plants? Yes, especially if water and nutrient retention is important and watering is frequent. It is a good choice for planting vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants, or tropical houseplants kept in high humidity. 3. Can I use only coconut fiber as a planting medium? Yes, in fact, it is often recommended, especially for seedling cultivation or container gardening. Coconut fiber is a natural, pH-neutral medium with good water and air management. If you need even better drainage, mix in perlite or vermiculite. 4. Which medium is good for orchids, cacti, or succulents? A loose-structured, well-aerated medium, e.g., perlite, coconut fiber + perlite, or a combination with clay granules is favorable for these plants. For orchids, a mix of pine bark + perlite is often used. 5. Do coconut fiber or perlite mixes need nutrients? Yes, they do, as these media do not contain nutrients on their own, so fertilization or base fertilization (e.g., with coated fertilizers) is necessary to provide adequate nutrition for the plants.