If you are looking for a great way to improve the appearance of your garden, then you should definitely consider using coco liners. Coco liners are a type of pot that is made from coconut husks, and they are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their versatility.
This article will discuss the fundamentals of coco liners, how to use them, and the best plants to use with them. We will also include some care tips for these plants. Before jumping to the plant types, let's first understand the basics of coco liners.
What are Coco Liners?
We briefly touched on this earlier, but coco liners are made from coconut husks. They are a sustainable product as they would otherwise be discarded as waste. Coco liners are biodegradable, so you can feel good about using them in your garden. Plus, coco liners are your best bet if you are considering a hanging garden.
One of the great things about coco liners is that they are very versatile. You can use them in various ways, and they are also very affordable. For example, you can use coco liners as:
- Hanging baskets
- Wall planters
- Window boxes
- Trellises
The list goes on! Basically, if you can think of it, chances are you can use a coco liner for it.
Now that we know the basics of coco liners, let's talk about some of the best plants to use with them.
Best Plants for Coco Liners
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing plants for your coco liners. First, you need to ensure that the plants you choose are appropriate for the location where you will be placing them. For example, if you use coco liners as hanging baskets, you will want to select plants that like to trail. Other things to consider include the amount of sunlight the plants will be getting and the plant's watering needs.
Keeping these points in mind, we have compiled a list of some plants you can grow in coco liners:
English Ivy
Scientific Name: Hedera helix
This fast-growing vine is perfect for coco liners as it will quickly fill in any empty spaces. English ivy is also quite tolerant of different light conditions, so it can be placed in a variety of locations. It also has air purifying properties, making it an ideal hanging addition to your indoor space! Just make sure to keep an eye on its growth, as it can quickly become invasive!
Wax Vines
Scientific Name: Hoya
Wax vines are another excellent option for coco liners, especially if you are looking for something to trail. These plants grow long wines touching the ground and are not much of a hassle to take care of.
Wax vines also come in various colors, so you can find the perfect one to match your décor. Although their blooming is a rarity, the waxy white and pink flowers are very fragrant and definitely worth the wait.
Wandering Jew
Scientific Name: Tradescantia zebrina
Wandering jew is a great plant for coco liners because it is very easy to care for. Also known as Indian Paint, it can tolerate a wide range of light conditions and does not need to be watered very often. This plant is also known for its beautiful purple and green striped leaves. If you are longing for a plant that will add some color to your coco liner, then this is the plant for you.
Polka Dot Begonia
Scientific Name: Begonia Maculata
Coming from Southeast Brazil, Polka Dot is an ideal plant for the shadier areas in your home. It is a compact plant that does not require much sunlight and space, making it perfect for coco liners.
This plant is categorized for its beautiful polka-dotted leaves, which can be green, red, or bronze. Polka Dot thrives in soil rich in organic matter and, if given the right conditions, can bloom big beautiful white flowers.
Donkey Trails
Scientific Name: Sedum morganianum
This drought-resistant plant is perfect for those of you who are forgetful when it comes to watering your plants. Native to Mexico, Donkey Trails can go long periods of time without water and still look healthy.
It gets its name from its long, donkey-tail-like stems covered in small, fleshy leaves. This plant does best in full sun but can also tolerate some shade.
Lipstick Plant
Scientific Name: Aeschynanthus radicans
Lipstick plant gets its name from its beautiful red flowers resembling lipstick tubes. It is a fast-growing plant that does best in sunny spots.
The lipstick plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in several colors, including red, yellow, and orange. It is also known for being a natural air purifier, making it a great addition to any home.
String of Hearts
Scientific name: Ceropegia woodii
Also known as "chains of hearts," "sweetheart vine," or "hearts on a string." All these names refer to the heart-shaped leaves of this vine, which is native to South Africa.
Hang this one in a bright spot and let it trail down for a romantic touch. It's easy to care for as long as you don't overwater it. So, it's best to let the soil dry out in between waterings.
Creeping Charlie
Scientific Name: Glechoma Hedercea
Creeping Charlie is a fast-growing ground cover that does best in shady areas. It has small, dark green leaves and purple flowers that are dense, covering the entire coco liner. This plant is also known as "ground ivy" because of its resemblance to the English ivy. It is native to Europe and North America and is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.
Geraniums
Scientific Name: Pelargoniums
With bright pink flowers, Geraniums are an ideal plant for your balconies as they do well in partial sunlight. They are low-maintenance plants that do not need to be watered very often. However, the plant is prone to infections and stunted growth in winter. So it's ideal to place them indoors in an area where they get some sunlight.
Benefits of Using Coco Liners
Coco liners essentially provide a little bit of everything that your plants need to thrive. And in addition to being versatile and affordable, coco liners also offer several benefits for your plants.
Retain Moisture
Because coco liners are made from coconut husks, they are able to absorb and retain moisture. This is great for plants because it means that they will not have to be watered as often.
Provide Drainage
Another benefit of coco liners is that they provide good drainage for your plants. This is crucial because it helps to prevent root rot and other problems that can occur when plants are overwatered.
Keep Roots Cool
Coco liners also help to keep roots cool, which is vital in hot climates. This can help to prevent heat stress in plants and improve the overall health of your plants.
Eco-friendly
As we mentioned before, coco liners are a sustainable and eco-friendly option. They are biodegradable and can be used over and over again.
Prevent Weeds
Lastly, using coco liners can help prevent weeds. This is because the coco liners create a barrier between the soil and the plants, which makes it more difficult for weeds to take root.
So, there you have it! These were a few benefits of using coco liners in your garden. Knowing the benefits won't do well for your garden unless you know how to take care of these plants. And that's what we're going to talk about next.
Care Tips for Plants in Coco Liners
When it comes to caring for plants in coco liners, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Here are a few care tips:
Water Requirements
One crucial thing to note is the water requirements of your plants. As we mentioned before, coco liners help to retain moisture. So, you will not need to water your plants as often. However, you still need to ensure they are getting enough water.
Drainage
Another important factor to keep in mind is drainage. Because coco liners help to provide good drainage, you will not need to worry about overwatering your plants. However, making sure the drainage holes are not blocked is also necessary.
Fertilizer
You will also need to fertilize your plants more often when using coco liners. This is because the coco liner will help to release the nutrients into the soil more quickly.
Pests and Diseases
Lastly, stay on alert for pests and diseases. This is because the coco liner can create a humid environment, which can be ideal for pests and diseases to thrive.
Keep Birds and Animals Away
Coco liners are a great attraction for birds and animals. So, you will need to take steps to keep them away from your plants.
So, these are some basic care tips in regard to coco liners. However, bear in mind that these requirements are not static and can change as per the plant you choose. Now that you know about coco liners and the best plants to use with them, go ahead and give them a try. Your plants will thank you for it.
