Growing in Coco: A Complete Guide

September 2, 2026 Tom H

Growing in Coco: A Complete Guide

Coco is one of the most popular growing media for indoor growers. It blends the best of hydroponics and organics – offering rapid root development, excellent aeration, and consistent results. With the right prep and feeding routine, coco can deliver exceptional yields and quality fruit.

Why Choose Coco?

Environmentally friendly and sustainable compared to peat.
Excellent drainage and aeration, which prevents overwatering issues.
Encourages root development by holding just the right amount of air and water.
Full control over feeding – nutrients come entirely from what you supply.

Charge Up Your Coco

Fresh coco should be “charged” before use. This pre-treatment adds essential organic nutrients and beneficial microbes that boost plant health and speed up growth.

One proven option is Ecothrive Charge – mix 1 L per 50 L of Canna Coco for a balanced start. Charge encourages stronger root mass, bigger plants, and resistance to pests and disease.

Grower feedback: Many report at least a 20% yield increase when using Charge from the start.

Pick the Right Nutrients

Coco doesn’t contain nutrients, so you’ll need a complete feed. Look for coco-specific formulas designed to prevent “false drain” (where water runs down the sides without wetting the media).

Products like SHOGUN Samurai Coco with Aquazen slow-water technology ensure even distribution, improved uptake, and reduced waste.

Keep Plants Healthy

Coco can hold onto calcium and magnesium, which means plants may miss out unless you top them up. Using supplements like SHOGUN CalMag prevents deficiencies and keeps growth strong at all stages.

Air Prune Your Roots

Pairing coco with RhizoPots (fabric pots) helps roots branch naturally. When tips hit the fabric, they stop circling and air-prune, producing a denser root system that supports bigger, healthier plants.

Aim for 20–30% Run-off

Each time you water, aim for around 20–30% run-off. This flushes out excess salts and keeps your coco fresh. It also ensures the nutrient profile in the root zone remains stable for consistent growth.

Pro tip: If you’re using drip or drain-to-waste systems, always collect and dispose of run-off so plants don’t reabsorb waste salts.

Summary

Growing in coco is a smart choice if you want the control of hydro with the forgiving nature of soil. Prep your coco properly, pick a reliable coco feed, keep calcium and magnesium topped up, and don’t forget regular run-off. Follow these steps, and you’ll unlock healthy plants with heavy yields.