Growcoon vs Traditional plugs: What is the difference?
In professional horticulture, everything revolves around efficiency, reliability, and quality. A crucial first step in that process is using the right tray and plug for growing young plants. Common plug options include rock wool, pressed peat, glue plugs, paper pots, cocopeat, or foam plugs. These serve as a growing medium in which seeds or cuttings can germinate and root, but some plug types come with limitations—such as root penetration, aeration, or sustainability. That’s why more growers are switching to innovative solutions like the Growcoon: a biodegradable plug with a net structure that fundamentally changes the way of working.
Traditional plugs
In professional horticulture, everything revolves around efficiency, reliability, and quality. A crucial first step in that process is using the right tray and plug for growing young plants. Common plug options include rock wool, pressed peat, glue plugs, paper pots, cocopeat, or foam plugs. These serve as a growing medium in which seeds or cuttings can germinate and root, but some plug types come with limitations; such as root penetration, aeration, or sustainability. That’s why more growers are switching to innovative solutions like the Growcoon: a biodegradable plug with a net structure that fundamentally changes the way of working.
The answer is sustainable quality
The Growcoon is a biodegradable plug consisting of a flexible mesh made from 100% compostable biopolymer. This mesh keeps the substrate together while allowing plenty of space for air and moisture, creating the ideal root environment and fine root branching. Growcoon combines shape retention with an open structure, enabling young plants to thrive. Growcoon also supports automated transplanting. It’s not just environmentally friendly it's also a smart solution for modern, large-scale cultivation. A Growcoon Dispenser is also available to fill trays automatically.
Key differences
To clearly highlight the difference between Growcoon and traditional plugs, we listed the key points below:
- Material: Traditional plugs often contain non-degradable materials like rock wool or foam. Growcoon is made from biodegradable biopolymers that leave no residue or microplastics degrading at the right pace for your crop.
- Shape & Structure: Traditional plugs can be rigid and less adaptable. Growcoon is a flexible mesh that supports the loose substrate while enabling unrestricted root development and perfect tray fit.
- Water & Air Balance: Many traditional plugs hold water too long, which can cause root rot. Growcoon offers an improved air/water balance for faster and healthier root growth.
- Automation: Growcoon is designed for automated transplanting. Placing it in trays can also be automated with the Growcoon Dispenser.
- Recycling: Unlike rock wool or foam plugs, which must be disposed of, Growcoon is fully compostable, reducing both waste and disposal costs.
Better results, less impact
Thanks to its improved structure, faster rooting, and ease of use, Growcoon delivers not only higher plant quality but also savings in labor and waste processing. Compared to traditional plugs, Growcoon reduces losses, shortens growth cycles, and improves plant uniformity. Transplanting becomes easier and less stressful for the plant, improving productivity and final crop quality.
The future of horticulture
In a sector increasingly focused on sustainability and automation, Growcoon is a logical choice. It gives growers the freedom to select their own substrate while benefiting from an environmentally friendly and efficient plug holder. For growers aiming for future-proof cultivation with less waste, less labor, and better results, Growcoon is the answer.
Klasmann-Deilmann
It’s impossible to get a result without a good substrate, which is why Growcoon and Klasmann-Deilmann have joined forces. Klasmann-Deilmann is the market leader in substrates, so its experts know exactly what your crop needs. They work with you to maximise yields from your cultivation. When you decide to switch to the Growcoon, they can help you on your way.
Request a free trial kit now
If you’d like to find out what the Growcoon can do for you, request a free trial kit. Together, we’ll determine which Growcoon is best for your system. We’re happy to help.