Coco Bag 101

Coco coir (pronounced coy-er) is a natural byproduct of coconut processing. It’s made by shredding and rinsing the outer husk of coconuts to remove salts and impurities. The result is a lightweight, fibrous material often sold as bricks, loose fibers, chips, or blends like our Coco Bag.

There are three common forms of coco coir used in potting mixes:

• Coco peat/coir fiber: Fine and fluffy; retains moisture well.

• Coco chips: Larger chunks that help with aeration and drainage.

• Coco husk/croutons: More coarse, ideal for mixing with other substrates.

Coco coir holds water like a sponge while still allowing excess moisture to drain away. This unique combo creates a root-friendly environment where plants can access consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Why It Works:

• Moisture retention: The fine fibers absorb water and slowly release it to the roots.

• Aeration: Coarser chunks or chips create air pockets, helping prevent root rot.

• Neutral pH: With a pH of around 5.5–6.8, coco coir makes a great base that won’t interfere with nutrient uptake.

• Sustainable and renewable: Unlike peat moss, coco coir is a byproduct of an existing industry and doesn’t deplete bog ecosystems.

We use it as the base of our Dirt Bag, a go-to mix that balances moisture retention and drainage—especially useful for tropical houseplants.

Coco coir is especially helpful for plants with fine, shallow, or moisture-sensitive root systems. These are typically species that come from tropical, humid regions.

Great plant matches:

• Calatheas: Shallow roots, love moisture but hate soggy soil.

• Ferns: Thrive in consistently damp environments.

• Alocasias: Quick-growing and moisture-hungry, with roots that prefer light, airy mixes.

• Ficus: Deep-rooted but sensitive to overwatering—coco coir helps balance things out.

How to Use It:

For tropical plants, a general ratio of 60–70% coco coir , mixed with 30–40% aeration materials (like perlite, bark, or pumice), creates an ideal environment. This allows for hydration with plenty of airflow, helping prevent root rot.

While coco coir is versatile, it’s not ideal for every plant. Succulents and arid-climate species don’t typically need or want the moisture-holding properties of coir.

Poor plant matches:

• Cacti and succulents: Their roots are prone to rot if kept too moist.

• ZZ plants and Snake Plants: Prefer to dry out completely between waterings.

Alternatives to Try:

For these plants, skip or reduce coco coir and use:

• Perlite or pumice for aeration and drainage

• Orchid bark or charcoal for fast-drying root environments

• Leca or other semi-hydro substrates for adventurous setups

A good cactus or succulent mix might include 10–20% coco coir max , if any at all.

When mixing your own soil, the amount of coco coir you use depends on your plant’s watering needs and your environmental conditions (light, humidity, airflow).

A few ratio examples:

• Moisture-loving tropicals:
  2 parts coco coir : 1 part perlite : 1 part bark

• Average houseplants (like Pothos or Philodendron):
  1 part coco coir : 1 part potting mix : 1 part perlite

• Fast-draining needs (e.g. Hoyas or succulents):
  1 part coco coir : 1 part bark : 2 parts perlite or pumice

These ratios give you a starting point to tweak based on how fast your soil dries in your home environment. Need a shortcut? Our Coco Bag and Dirt Bag take the guesswork out and are ready to use or customize.