Not all substrates are created equal, and not every crop requires the same blend. That's the core message from Juan Luis Jiménez, Technical Director of Originalius and CEO of Grupo Caliplant, the company's parent group. In just a few years, Originalius has positioned itself as a global reference in precision substrate design and manufacturing, especially based on coconut fiber. The division benefits from more than two decades of experience in hydroponic cultivation and in developing technological solutions for intensive agriculture across the group's other businesses, from breeding through Caliplant Genetics, to nursery production and grower consulting via Global Agroconsulting.
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"Each crop is different and requires a specific substrate. Our added value lies in offering tailor-made products that adapt to each client's needs. Originalius doesn't just market coconut fiber in conventional formats, that's clear from both our production system and our commercial offering," says Juan.
The company provides a full range of structures and densities in its mixes, as well as different electrical conductivity (EC) levels. That includes deep-washed substrates with EC below 0.5 dS/cm; washed substrates with a maximum of 1 dS/cm; and naturally washed substrates with EC up to 2.5 dS/cm, aimed at growers who prefer to carry out the washing process at their own facilities, reducing costs.
What all products have in common is Originalius' special screening system, which eliminates dust and sand often present in substrates, the leading cause of root asphyxia in hydroponic crops. "This also ensures that growers receive exactly the usable volume they need, with the confidence that the price reflects not just the product they asked for, but one of high quality," adds Juan, who also teaches in the Sustainable Agriculture program at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena.
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The product line ranges from compressed blocks and custom blends to grow bags and crop-specific kits for blueberries, raspberries, or ornamentals. The company also offers plastic-free grow slabs and the Up Pot system for specialized crops.
International expansion
"Our specialization and differentiated offer have allowed us to export to more than 15 countries, opening markets in the U.S., Morocco, Peru, China, and Azerbaijan. We are now strengthening our presence in Mexico, Chile, Egypt, and South Africa," says Jiménez.
Hydroponic cultivation, and with it, the demand for substrates, is experiencing exponential growth in markets such as Peru, driven by blueberries. India is also seeing significant expansion, especially in berries, with international breeders (including Caliplant Genetics) already introducing their varieties there. At the same time, even mature markets are shifting: "In the U.S., despite limited overall industry growth, sales are increasing as growers move away from peat and toward coconut fiber."
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Still, 2025 has brought supply pressures. India and Sri Lanka, together accounting for 90% of global coconut fiber production, have faced unusual weather. "In India, rainfall in the first half of the year was up 83% compared to average, preventing collection and drying of the raw material. However, our way of working with customized substrates has allowed us to guarantee stock for clients across all our markets. Thanks to our logistics and storage capacity, we've ensured uninterrupted supply even during this period of tension," Jiménez explains.
"However, it is true that supply is still tight and we do not know what will happen in the coming months when the next monsoon arrives, so we recommend customers to place their orders well in advance to anticipate any eventuality."
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Efficiency in hydroponics
Originalius' innovation also extends to complementary hydraulic solutions such as HydroGutter and HydroSpacer, which improve drainage, root aeration, and crop health. These systems support water and nutrient recirculation, reduce fungal disease risks, and optimize resource use in greenhouses.
The company is also ramping up training and advisory services for growers. "Not all coconut fiber is the same, and not all substrates deliver the same results. Our role is also to guide growers so they understand the differences and always get the best return on their investment," Jiménez concludes.
© OriginaliusFor more information:
Originalius
Calle Los Marines 1, 30739 Pozo Aledo, San Javier, Murcia, Spain
P.0. Box 13408 San Luis Obispo, California 93406, USA.
[email protected]
https://originalius.com/
