Growing kalanchoe in peat-free substrates

The kalanchoe trials at Van der Knaap concentrated on three varieties, which were cultivated on three different substrates. The aim of the test was to find out which substrate was suitable for growing kalanchoes and what changes needed to be made for fertilisation and irrigation.

Due to the good drainage properties of coco, root development is exceptionally good on both of the coco substrates, right to the bottom of the root ball. Cultivating kalanchoes on coco substrate is definitely a success. Just like any change it requires careful attention. Especially important are strategies for fertilisation and irrigation. These will form the main focus for growth support in the future.

The Van der Knaap Group has been using coco peat, made from coconut fibre, in its substrates for a number of years. Coco is an organic, recyclable product and is versatile for use with different crops. It has a naturally high air content and it absorbs water easily. In many cases, coco is also an ideal product for resaturating substrates. For the last three years, test centre ‘De Kas’ has been testing the suitability of peat-free substrates. In the greenhouses, they grow test plants on coco substrates so that they can study the best methods for fertilisation and irrigation. Van der Knaap has already included three peat-free substrates in their product range. These have proven to be successful in cultivating several types of plants such as anthuriums, pot roses and dracaena.

For more information:
Van der Knaap Retail
+31 (0)174 296606
www.vanderknaap.eu