Sustainable cultivation of rhododendrons. From ARC to coconut shell

An important step toward stronger and healthier plants with a densely branched tangle of tiny hair roots, which continue to grow immediately after planting. Today, the nursery is taking a further step toward sustainable cultivation.

"The ARC pots are excellent for the plant," said case manager Paul Vermeulen. "But we can't ignore the fact that they are made of plastic and thus contribute to our ever-growing waste mountain." To provide an answer to that, Rhodes Nursery started a trial run with coir growing jackets a year ago.

Biodegradable

The new coconut mat growing coat is completely biodegradable. It is made of coconut fibers on the one hand and natural latex on the other, and production is strictly controlled. "The intention is to place the plant in the ground together with the pot - a big time saver. Once the coir comes into contact with the soil, it will be broken down naturally, while the roots just continue to grow."

Homogeneous root structure

The rhododendrons feel comfortable in the new growing mantle. "The roots fix themselves against the wall of the pot without starting to rotate. The result is a homogeneous structure of hair roots."

In addition, the layer of natural latex on the inside allows the growing period in the pot to continue for at least two years. "We tailor the coconut pots to the intended plant size. This also allows us to grow plants of 150+ in coconut. We have even started growing Extra Large Rhododendron. For this, we put a number of plants together to immediately create a wide and full end result. These can be picked up in one move with a forklift and transported to the planting hole."