Orchids, aroids and many other houseplants grow on trees in the wild. Their roots want air as much as water, which is why they sulk in dense potting soil. Coco chips, chunky pieces of coconut husk, give those roots the open, airy home they are used to.
Why coco chips?
- Airy. Big chunks leave plenty of gaps for air around the roots.
- Moist, not wet. Each chip holds water inside while the gaps between chips drain freely.
- Long lasting. Coconut husk breaks down more slowly than most bark, so the mix stays open for longer.
- Clean. Kokkonut chips are washed to a low EC (0.5 mS/cm or less) and are close to neutral pH.
Get the chips ready
- Put a chips brick in a bucket with about half a gallon of warm water.
- Wait 30 to 40 minutes, then break the chips apart by hand.
- Drain off the extra water. Chips going straight into an orchid pot can soak overnight so they are evenly wet.
Mix recipes
| Plants | Mix |
|---|---|
| Phalaenopsis and other orchids | Coco chips on their own, or 3 parts chips to 1 part perlite |
| Monstera, philodendron, anthurium and other aroids | 2 parts chips, 1 part coco peat, 1 part perlite |
| Hoyas | 2 parts chips, 1 part coco peat, 1 part perlite |
| Bromeliads and tillandsia mounts | Coco chips on their own |
| Succulents and cacti | 1 part chips to 2 parts gritty mix (pumice or perlite), since chips alone hold too much water |
A handful of worm castings or slow-release fertilizer in the aroid mix gives the plant a little food to start with.
Watering and feeding
- Chips hold more water than bark, so expect to water a little less often. Water when the top inch feels dry.
- Water until it runs out of the drainage holes, then let the pot drain fully. Never let it sit in a saucer of water.
- Coir holds very little food for plants. Feed lightly and often with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
When to repot
Because coconut husk breaks down slowly, many growers repot about every two years, or sooner when roots fill the pot or the mix starts to look soft and fine.
Shop the mix
Our Orchid & Aroid Repot Kit has two coco chips bricks and a coco peat brick, enough to repot 10 to 15 medium pots. Need more? Try coco chips bricks or the 10 lb coco chips block.
