hi
For the first time, you have chosen a very efficient substrate (Coco/Perlite), but it is less forgiving of errors than soil because it is completely inert.
​What you describe and what we see in the image — the edges of the leaves curling upwards (the famous “taco” effect) — is a classic red flag.
​Here are the main ways to correct the situation:
​1. Heat or light stress (Cause #1)
​Symptom: When the edges fold upward, it is often because the plant is trying to reduce its surface area to conserve moisture.
​Solution: Check the distance from your lamp. If it is too close or too powerful for a young seedling, it causes excessive evapotranspiration. Raise your lamp 10-15 cm and see if the plant relaxes within 24 hours.
​2. Relative humidity (VPD) too low
​Analysis: Coconut dries quickly on the surface. If the air in your tent is too dry (below 60-70% for a seedling), the leaves will curl up.
​Solution: Use a humidity dome (like the bottom of a clear plastic bottle) to keep the air around it moist while it develops more roots.
​3. Nutrition and pH in Coco
​This is where the “trial and error” often begins:
​The pH is vital: In coco, you must water with a pH between 5.8 and 6.0. If your pH is that of tap water (often 7.0), the plant is immediately blocked.
​Do not let dry: Unlike soil, coconut should never become completely dry. If it dries, the nutrient salts concentrate and “burn” the roots, which stresses the leaves.
​4. Leaf condition
We also notice slight yellowish/light spots on the first layer of leaves. This confirms either the beginnings of light burn or a pH imbalance that prevents the absorption of basic nutrients.
​My advice for your first coco grow: First check the heat at the top of the plant (if it's hot for your hand, it's too hot for it). Next, make sure to always give a light nutrient solution with adjusted pH each time you water.
have nice day