At HiGrow, we’re often asked why we use coco chips instead of the more traditional pine bark or aged bark in our premium potting mixes. The answer is simple: coco chips outperform bark in the key areas that matter most for plant health, especially in long-term container growing.
Let’s break it down.
1. Spongy, Yet Structured
Coco chips strike the perfect balance between water retention and air flow. Unlike bark, which can become compacted or overly dry between waterings, coco chips remain spongy - holding moisture within the chip while still allowing air pockets around the root zone. This means your plants experience fewer fluctuations between soggy and bone-dry, which is especially important for sensitive tropicals like anthuriums, hoyas, or philodendrons.
The sponginess also acts as a buffer against under- or over-watering, giving plant owners a little more flexibility and margin for error.
2. Incredibly Long-Lasting
One of the biggest downsides of bark is that it breaks down faster than you’d think—especially in warm, humid conditions or with frequent watering. Over time, bark decomposes into fine particles that reduce drainage and suffocate roots. This leads to a compact, soggy medium that plants hate.
In contrast, high-quality coco chips are far more durable. They resist breakdown, maintain their structure, and don’t release excess fines into the mix. That means your substrate stays breathable and functional for much longer - often 2–3 times longer than typical bark-based mixes.
3. Naturally Resistant to Rot
Aged bark may sound appealing, but unless it's carefully processed and stored, it can carry residual resins, fungi, or pathogens that compromise root health. Bark is also organic material sourced from trees not grown for horticulture, meaning quality and composition can vary wildly.
Coco chips, on the other hand, are made from the husk of coconuts, a material that naturally resists fungal growth and rotting. When properly washed and buffered (as ours are), they create a clean, pathogen-resistant foundation that promotes root health rather than risking it.
4. Sustainable and Consistent
Another key reason we prefer coco chips is sustainability. Coconuts are harvested year-round and the husk is a byproduct, making coco chips a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to bark, which requires logging and processing of mature trees.
Not only are coco chips more sustainable- they’re also more consistent. Our chips are selected for size and quality, meaning you get the same reliable structure in every batch. No unpredictable crumbling, no variable decay, and no need to repot prematurely.
In Summary
We don’t use coco chips because they’re trendy - we use them because they’re better. Better for root health, better for water management, better for longevity, and better for the environment.
At HiGrow, every ingredient in our mixes is chosen for performance, not tradition. Coco chips are a big part of that, and we think your plants will agree.