For aroid mixes that turn dense and soggy, and for terrariums that need something chunky, slow to break down and good for the clean-up crew. Coconut husk chips hold water inside each piece while leaving plenty of air between them, so the roots stay damp but never sit in water. 12–18mm chips, buffered and ready to use. 3L resealable bag.
These are chunks of the fibrous outer husk of the coconut, a by-product of the coconut industry. Think of them as a much chunkier version of the coco coir in most peat-free soils. Each chip soaks up water like a sponge and gives it back slowly. The gaps between the chips keep the mix open, so it won't collapse the way compost does. They hold more water than orchid bark and break down even more slowly, lasting years in a pot. In a terrarium, springtails and isopods feed on them as they slowly break down.
Which plants it suits
Thick-rooted tropical plants that like steady moisture with air around the roots: Monstera, Philodendron, Anthurium, and orchids that like a little more moisture than bark gives them. It's also a good base for terrariums, bioactive set-ups and isopod enclosures.
How to use
- In a houseplant mix: stir roughly one part husk chips into three parts potting soil, or build your own with our Base Soil Mix and perlite.
- In a terrarium: mix a handful into the substrate, or scatter some on the surface as food and cover for isopods and springtails.
- As a mulch: a layer over the soil slows evaporation and keeps the surface roots more even in temperature.
- Before storing an opened bag, spread the chips out to dry for a few days so they don't go mouldy.
At a glance
| What it is | Coconut husk chips, buffered |
| Chip size | 12–18mm |
| Origin | Sri Lanka |
| pH | 5.5–7 |
| Lasts | Up to about 8 years, depending on watering |
| Volume | 3 litres, resealable bag |
- Peat-free and suitable for organic growing.
- Listed by the maker as pet safe. Still, store it where pets can't get into the bag.