The substrate in which orchids feel at home in a tree. BIOVITA Coco Chips are shredded coconut husks and fibers – natural, free from any chemical additives, loosened and ready to use straight from the bag. They absorb water like a sponge while leaving plenty of air between the pieces, which is why the manufacturer recommends them as a substrate for orchids. They are an excellent replacement for bark, loosen potting soil and work well in terrariums. 5 l package.
In brief
- Capacity: 5 l
- Type: loose coconut substrate, ready to use (no soaking required)
- Composition: shredded coconut husks and fibers, without chemical additives
- pH: 5.5–6.5
- Intended use: orchids and epiphytes, aroids, potted plants, terrariums
- Application: standalone substrate or soil additive (loosens and aerates)
- Yield: 5 l is enough for approx. 3–4 orchids in 12 cm pots
- Benefits: lighter than peat, stores water and nutrients, supports root development
What makes this product stand out
Coco chips combine two qualities that rarely go hand in hand: absorbency and airiness. Each piece of husk absorbs water and releases it gradually, while plenty of free space remains between the pieces, allowing air to reach the roots. For orchids, anthuriums, monsteras and other epiphytes, these conditions are close to natural: moist, but never “muddy”. Unlike bark, coco chips decompose more slowly and do not become acidic as quickly, while compared with peat they are lighter and made from a renewable raw material.
BIOVITA’s loose version does not require soaking and crushing like a briquette – open the bag and plant. Coconut is naturally low in nutrients (which is an advantage: you decide how to fertilize), so the manufacturer recommends combining it with organic fertilizer or regularly feeding plants with liquid fertilizer.
How to use, step by step
Preparation: the chips are ready to use. However, it is worth moistening them before planting – pour them into a bowl, cover with lukewarm water for several minutes and drain. Moist chips adhere well to the roots right away, while dry ones initially repel water.
Orchids and epiphytes: pour a layer of chips onto the bottom of the pot (preferably a transparent one with drainage holes), position the plant and loosely fill the spaces between the roots with chips – do not compact them. You can use chips alone or a mixture of chips, bark and a little charcoal.
Soil additive: add chips equal to 20–30% of the volume to substrate for foliage plants and aroids to loosen and aerate the soil. In a terrarium, use a 3–5 cm layer as a moisture-retaining substrate.
Watering and fertilizing: water when the chips begin to dry out (they become lighter in color and weight) – orchids most often need watering every 5–10 days, using the soaking method. Add orchid fertilizer or diluted organic fertilizer every 2–3 waterings, as coconut alone does not nourish plants.
Application
Coco chips are primarily a substrate for orchids (phalaenopsis, cattleya, dendrobium) and other epiphytes, but they also work well as an ingredient in well-draining mixes for aroids – monsteras, philodendrons and anthuriums – combined with BIGOS soil, perlite and coconut fiber. The manufacturer also indicates their use in terrariums, aquariums and animal husbandry, as well as an additive to any substrate that needs loosening and aeration. They can also be used to mulch pots to reduce water evaporation.
Gardener’s tip
When repotting an orchid, do not “squeeze” the chips around the roots – they will settle after the first watering anyway. Instead, after planting, place the pot in water for 20 minutes: the chips will swell and stabilize the plant on their own, helping you avoid breaking the roots.
Specifications
| Product | Loose coco chips (Coco chips) |
| Capacity | 5 l |
| Form | loose coco chips, ready to use |
| Composition | shredded coconut husks and fibers, without chemical additives |
| pH | 5.5–6.5 |
| Intended use | orchids, epiphytes, aroids, substrate additive, terrariums |
| Yield | approx. 3–4 12 cm pots (orchids) |
| Packaging | 5 l plastic bag |
| Manufacturer | BIOVITA Sp. z o.o. |
| EAN code | 5907813163449 |
