"Because coco coir is a by-product of the coconut industry, it's inherently renewable," explains Chris Vaos, Director of Product and Business Development at Hortgrow Solutions. "As long as there's demand for coconut oil and food products, we'll have a steady, eco-friendly supply of raw material. Our coco peat is washed four times in fresh water before it ever reaches a grower's hands. This step is essential to removing excess salts and balancing EC and pH levels for optimal plant health."
Coco peat, or coco coir, is the fibrous by-product of coconut processing, sourced from the dry outer shell of the coconut. What was once discarded waste is now a cornerstone of soilless cultivation around the world. HortGrow's coir is harvested from inland plantations in India's Cauvery River delta—far from coastal salt exposure—and then meticulously processed to create premium-grade growing media.
"Coco peat isn't just a substitute for peat moss—it's an upgrade," says James Susaimuthu, CEO of HortGrow Solutions. "It's sustainable, efficient, and customizable for a range of crops and growing systems. Our company and therefore product range development is led by plant scientists and growers committed to developing top-quality, eco-responsible growing media.
James Susaimuthu and Avnita Susaimuthu, HortGrow Solutions, at the Indoor Ag-Con this year
More than just 'peat'
HortGrow's product line is developed to support a wide variety of crops and cultivation methods. From fine pith to coarse chips, each form of coir serves a distinct role in improving water retention, aeration, and nutrient distribution.
Coco pith, the soft, powdery component left after fiber extraction, is ideal for seedlings and hydroponic systems. It features a naturally balanced pH (6.0 to 6.7) and boasts excellent drainage and re-wettability.
"Unlike peat moss, which is hard to rehydrate once it dries out, coco pith holds water like a sponge," says Chris. "It's incredibly user-friendly—especially for new growers."
Meanwhile, coco fiber—fine strands resembling plant roots—acts like capillaries, distributing moisture and nutrients evenly throughout the growing medium. When blended into media like HortGrow's GrowPlus, GrowMax, or GrowExcel, it boosts aeration and maintains consistent moisture levels across the root zone.
Then there are coco chips and shreds, often called "coco nuggets" or "fractions." These chunky components provide essential oxygen pockets in long-cycle container crops and are especially valued for their ability to retain up to nine times their weight in water.
"Our fractionated coir blends eliminate the need for bark, perlite, or other additives," adds James. "It's a simplified, high-performance solution that saves time and improves crop outcomes."
© Hortgrow Solutions LLC
Backed by science, designed for growers
What sets HortGrow apart isn't just the quality of its materials—it's the deep agronomic expertise behind each product.
"Every blend we produce is developed by people who actually grow crops," says Chris. "That means we're not guessing what works in the field—we know, because we've tested it under real conditions."
Whether it's berries, vegetables, or nursery plants, HortGrow products are engineered to meet the needs of commercial greenhouse growers, hydroponic operators, and home gardeners alike. Their OMRI-listed certification also ensures the products are suitable for organic farming applications.
Growing green, growing smart
Beyond performance, HortGrow is deeply invested in environmental and social responsibility. By sourcing coir from inland farms and avoiding chemical additives, the company reduces its ecological footprint while creating economic opportunities in rural India.
"We're proud to offer a growing solution that's not just better for plants, but better for the planet," says James. "And we love sharing this knowledge with growers of all scales. Our goal is simple: help everyone grow like the pros."
For more information:
HortGrow Solutions
www.hortgrow.com