What are Dr Greenthumbs Coco Coir Chips 12–18mm?
They’re chunky, washed and buffered coconut husk chips designed to improve airflow, drainage, and moisture retention in potting mixes. Unlike fine coco peat, these larger chips help create an open structure, making them ideal for aroids, orchids, and other moisture-loving but oxygen-hungry plants.
What plants are Coco Coir Chips 12–18mm best for?
They’re popular in aroid mixes (Monstera, Anthurium, Philodendron), orchids, and indoor houseplants that like chunky, breathable media. They also work in outdoor pots and hydro or semi-hydro setups when paired with other components. For seedlings and cuttings, they’re too coarse to use alone.
What benefits do Coco Coir Chips add to a potting mix?
They boost drainage, reduce compaction, and keep the mix airy while holding internal moisture. This helps reduce overwatering risks and supports healthy root development. The chips are also lightweight and break down slowly, keeping your mix stable for longer.
Do I need to rinse or soak Coco Coir Chips before use?
They’re washed and buffered, so rinsing isn’t required for most setups. But if you're using them in hydroponics or with sensitive plants, a quick rinse or soak can help remove dust and prevent floating. Soaking for 15–30 minutes before mixing ensures even moisture.
Can I use Coco Coir Chips 12–18mm on their own?
It’s possible, but most people mix them with perlite, bark, compost, or coco peat to balance airflow, water retention, and nutrients. On their own, they don’t provide enough moisture or nutrient holding for most plants, especially in dry environments or small pots.
Do Coco Coir Chips help prevent root rot?
They can help by increasing aeration and reducing soggy spots in the root zone. However, root rot is often caused by poor drainage or overwatering, so chips are part of the solution—along with breathable pots and mindful watering.
Can I reuse Coco Coir Chips after a grow?
Yes, if they’re not breaking down. Rinse off old roots, soak, and refresh with nutrients if needed. For hydroponics or disease-prone setups, sterilise them before reuse. Over time, chips will soften and compact, so monitor mix texture with long-term use.
Do Coco Coir Chips attract fungus gnats or grow mould?
Chips don’t attract gnats by themselves, but keeping the surface too wet can encourage them. Let the top layer dry slightly between waterings. Harmless white fuzz (mycelium) can appear in damp, organic-rich mixes—improve airflow if it becomes excessive.
What’s a good mix ratio using Coco Coir Chips?
For aroids, try equal parts coco chips, perlite or pumice, and a base like compost or coco peat. For orchids, start with mostly chips and add bark, moss, or perlite depending on your watering habits. Adjust based on how fast your mix dries out.
Do Coco Coir Chips contain nutrients or affect fertiliser use?
They’re mostly inert and don’t provide nutrients. These chips are buffered to reduce calcium/magnesium lockout, but in coco-heavy or hydro mixes, a Cal-Mag supplement is still a good idea. You can use them with both synthetic and organic fertilisers.
Will Coco Coir Chips compact or break down over time?
They hold their structure longer than finer media but do gradually soften, especially with frequent watering or microbial activity. If your mix starts staying wet too long or feels muddy, it’s time to refresh or reblend.
Do Coco Coir Chips expand like compressed coco blocks?
No—these are loose, ready-to-use chips and won’t expand like compressed coco bricks. However, soaking will help them absorb water and settle properly into your mix.
What sizes are available for Coco Coir Chips 12–18mm?
They’re available in 5L, 15L, 30L, and 45L bags. 5L is great for small repots or trying them out. Go bigger if you’re mixing for multiple plants, moss poles, or batch-blending custom aroid or orchid soil.
How should I store Coco Coir Chips?
Keep them dry and sealed in their bag. If exposed to moisture, they can grow harmless surface mould during storage. If they arrive dry, that’s normal—just soak before using to ensure even hydration in your mix.
Can I Click & Collect Coco Coir Chips 12–18mm?
Yes, Click & Collect is available at the Bellambi location and usually ready within 24 hours. Stock may vary by size, so check availability before placing your order.
