Coir source is important. Coir is also useful to deter snails from delicate plantings, and as a growing medium in intensive glasshouse (greenhouse) horticulture. Coconut coir from Mexico has been found to contain large numbers of colonies of the beneficial fungus "Aspergillus terreus", which acts as a biological control against plant pathogenic fungi. Coir is also used as a substrate to grow mushrooms. The coir is usually mixed with vermiculite and pasteurised with boiling water. After the coir/vermiculite mix has cooled to room temperature, it is placed in a larger container, usually a plastic box. Previously prepared spawn jars are then
Coir added, spawn is usually grown in jars using substrates such as rye grains or wild bird seed. This spawn is the mushrooms mycelium and will colonize the coir/vermiculite mix eventually fruiting mushrooms. Coir is an allergen, as well as the latex and other materials used frequently in the treatment of coir. Coir can be used as a terrarium substrate for reptiles or arachnids. Coir fibre pith or coir dust can hold large quantities of water, just like a sponge. It is used as a replacement for traditional peat in soil mixtures, or, as a soil-less substrate for plant cultivation. It