Kaizen Premium Substrates

Kaizen growing media for coco, hydroponic and soil-based growing

Kaizen Premium Substrates includes five distinct formulations rather than one universal coco product. Some are low-nutrient coco media intended for a complete liquid feeding programme, while others are peat-based AllMix substrates containing an initial fertiliser charge. Choosing by the Kaizen brand name alone is not enough: the correct product depends on irrigation, plant stage and how you intend to supply nutrients.

The coco products use coir as their base and vary in the amount of perlite or clay pebbles added. The AllMix products use peat-based blends with either perlite or clay pebbles and are intended to provide greater initial nutrition. Read the product label before use because preparation, feeding and suitability for young plants differ across the range.

Compare the Kaizen substrate range

Kaizen COCO Natural 50L

COCO Natural is the 100% coco option for growers who want coir without a pre-mixed proportion of perlite or clay pebbles. Its current specification describes RHP-certified, deeply buffered coir with low initial EC. Pure coco retains more moisture than the more open Kaizen blends and gives the grower control over the complete nutrient programme.

Kaizen COCO 70/30 Mix 50L

The 70/30 Mix combines 70% coco with 30% perlite. Perlite introduces lightweight air spaces and faster drainage while retaining coco as the main moisture-holding component. It is a practical option for frequent irrigation, drip-fed pots and growers who want a more open substrate than pure coir.

Kaizen COCO Elite 50/30/20 Mix 50L

COCO Elite combines 50% coco, 30% perlite and 20% clay pebbles. The two mineral components create a coarser structure than pure coco: perlite reduces weight and compaction, while clay pebbles add firm particles and larger drainage spaces. Confirm that the pot, drippers and irrigation frequency suit this faster-draining blend.

Kaizen ALLMIX

Kaizen ALLMIX is a peat-based substrate containing perlite and an initial organic fertiliser charge. It belongs to the soil and enriched-media side of the range rather than the low-nutrient coco category. Its current clearance product is described as an underfilled bag containing approximately 35 litres, so calculate the actual volume using the listing rather than assuming a full 50-litre fill.

Kaizen Elite 70/30 ALLMIX 50L

Elite 70/30 ALLMIX is a peat-based, nutrient-rich formulation containing 30% clay pebbles instead of the perlite used in the original AllMix. It also includes activated biochar according to the product specification. The manufacturer identifies it for potting on established plants and warns against using it for young plants because of the high slow-release nutrient content.

Coco substrates compared with Kaizen AllMix

• Base material: COCO Natural and the coco blends use coir; AllMix products are peat based.
• Initial nutrition: coco products require a suitable feeding programme; AllMix products contain an initial nutrient charge.
• Structure: perlite creates a light, open blend; clay pebbles add larger, firmer particles.
• Plant stage: rich AllMix can be unsuitable for seedlings; pure or blended coco still requires appropriate young-plant feeding.
• Irrigation: coco blends suit controlled hydroponic feeding, while AllMix watering behaves more like an enriched potting substrate.
• Monitoring: every formulation requires suitable drainage and observation of root-zone moisture.

If you want to compare Kaizen with other brands, explore our complete Coco Coir, Coco Blends & Mixes and Soil Mixes collections.

Choosing the right Kaizen medium

Choose COCO Natural when

• You want 100% coco without a pre-mixed mineral component.
• You prefer to control drainage by pot choice or by creating your own measured blend.
• Your feeding programme is designed for coco coir.

Choose COCO 70/30 when

• You want coco with the lighter, more open structure of added perlite.
• Your irrigation method suits a faster-draining medium.
• You want a ready-mixed ratio without handling separate bags.

Choose COCO Elite when

• You want coco, perlite and clay pebbles in one consistent mix.
• Your containers can retain the different particle sizes securely.
• You can manage the irrigation needs of a particularly open substrate.

Choose a Kaizen AllMix when

• You want a peat-based, pre-fertilised potting substrate.
• The plant is established enough for the stated nutrient charge.
• Your nutrient programme accounts for fertiliser already present in the bag.

Using Kaizen coco in hydroponic systems

Kaizen coco products can suit hand-watered pots and compatible drip irrigation systems. Dripper number, position and flow should wet the root zone evenly without leaving dry channels. Test every outlet and confirm that surplus solution can drain before relying on an automated schedule.

A more open blend generally holds less water than pure coco and can require different irrigation frequency. Plant size, pot volume, root development, temperature and humidity also affect demand. Adjust from observed moisture and runoff rather than assuming that all three coco products use the same schedule.

Preparing Kaizen growing media

1. Confirm the exact product and formulation before opening the bag.
2. Read the label for preparation, crop-stage and nutrient information.
3. Loosen compacted material gently without crushing perlite or clay pebbles.
4. Fill clean containers evenly and avoid compressing the root zone.
5. Use the stated product volume when calculating how many bags are required.
6. Test watering or irrigation coverage and drainage before completing the setup.

The current coco product specifications describe the coir as ready to use and buffered, but packaging and formulations can change. Follow the label on the supplied bag if it differs from older website copy. Store unused media sealed in a cool, dry place away from pests, standing water and contamination.

Feeding Kaizen coco

COCO Natural, COCO 70/30 and COCO Elite require a complete feeding programme suitable for coco-based growing. Select a product from our Coco Nutrients collection and follow one manufacturer's schedule. Do not treat the small initial EC value as evidence that the substrate contains a complete plant feed.

Mix nutrients into water separately and measure the finished solution where required. Clean, calibrated pH and EC meters help growers follow their chosen programme. Never pour concentrated nutrients or pH adjusters directly into a pot.

Calcium and magnesium

Buffered coco has been treated to stabilise exchange sites, but that does not automatically mean every crop requires a separate calcium-magnesium supplement. Check the base nutrient, starting water and manufacturer guidance before adding another product.

Feeding Kaizen AllMix

Kaizen AllMix products already contain nutrition, so they should not receive the same immediate feed as inert or low-nutrient coco. Use a compatible Soil Nutrient only when the product programme and plant condition indicate it is required.

The Elite 70/30 AllMix is specifically intended for established plants because of its slow-release nutrient content. Use a lighter propagation or potting medium for young plants rather than trying to dilute a strong product by overwatering it.

Watering and drainage

Check moisture within the root zone, not only at the surface. Large pots, low temperatures and small plants stay wet longer, while mature plants under strong light can use water quickly. Apply water evenly and ensure drainage holes remain unobstructed.

Perlite and clay pebbles improve structure, but they do not make a medium impossible to overwater. Repeated saturation can still reduce oxygen around roots, particularly when pots sit in runoff or the irrigation frequency exceeds plant uptake.

Transplanting into Kaizen substrates

• Match the receiving medium to the age and nutritional tolerance of the plant.
• Prepare the new container before lifting the plant from its old pot.
• Support the root ball and avoid pulling or crushing the stem.
• Fill around the roots gently without compacting the substrate.
• Water according to the selected coco or AllMix programme.
• Reduce abrupt changes in light, temperature and humidity after transplanting.

Why buy Kaizen substrates from Holland Horticulture?

Kaizen is Holland Horticulture's specialist equipment and growing-media range, developed for practical indoor horticulture. Buying the collection from us gives you access to the full Kaizen substrate family, experienced product guidance, UK delivery and Click & Collect from our stores.

Established in 1996, Holland Horticulture supplies growing media, nutrients and hydroponic equipment to beginners, experienced indoor gardeners and commercial growers. Return to our Growing Media hub to compare every substrate type.

Kaizen premium substrates FAQs

Which Kaizen substrate is 100% coco?

Kaizen COCO Natural 50L is the pure coco product. COCO 70/30 contains perlite, while COCO Elite combines coco, perlite and clay pebbles.

What is the difference between Kaizen COCO 70/30 and COCO Elite?

COCO 70/30 contains 70% coco and 30% perlite. COCO Elite contains 50% coco, 30% perlite and 20% clay pebbles, creating a coarser three-component structure.

Is Kaizen coco buffered?

The current COCO Natural, 70/30 and Elite product specifications describe deeply buffered coir, with RHP certification or RHP-approved sourcing depending on the product. Check the supplied bag for the current specification.

Does Kaizen coco contain nutrients?

The coco products are intended to be used with an appropriate complete coco feeding programme. Do not confuse buffering with full fertilisation; buffering prepares the coir's exchange sites but is not a complete plant feed.

Can seedlings be planted in Kaizen Elite 70/30 AllMix?

The current product guidance says not to use this nutrient-rich, slow-release medium for baby plants. It is intended for potting on established plants.

Is Kaizen AllMix a coco substrate?

No. The standard AllMix is peat based with perlite and an initial fertiliser charge. Elite 70/30 AllMix is also peat based but uses clay pebbles for additional structure.

Which Kaizen medium is best for drip irrigation?

The coco products are the clearest candidates for compatible drip-fed pots, but the right formulation depends on irrigation frequency, drainage and desired moisture retention. Test the complete system and follow the product guidance.