Coconut water can help buffer plants against dehydration and disease, while promoting chelation and nutrient uptake. It is comprised mainly of water (96%), with the rest being natural sugar, proteins, amino acids, good carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats, fatty acids, and fiber.

Coconut water also has gibberellic acid, which promotes root formation in clones. Watering the medium with coconut water before inserting clones will accelerate root development of cuttings. Once roots form, the intense vitamin and mineral rush from the surrounding medium boosts growth. The same goes for seed germination. Germinate seeds using 15ml/litre of coconut water for rapid root development. If using paper towels, check the seeds more often as lateral shoots can bury into the paper quickly. Pulling the seeds away can cause damage to these fine roots. Put seeds in a grow medium before the primary root gets too long.

Apart from giberellic acid, coconut water also has cytokinins, which are enzymes which signal the root cells to divide and develop more roots (cytokinesis). The sooner water and nutrients are synthesized by the growing plant, the better. A healthy and large rhizosphere means more nutrients and water are available to the growing plants. Cytokinins also signal cell division and rapid growth of new shoots in the plant above ground, and accelerate growth of lateral shoots. They also stimulate leaf expansion and promote larger leaf stomata. Combining these features means explosive growth in the plant.