Coco Coir & Coco Peat

Choosing Coco Coir for Your Plants

Coco coir is made from coconut husks and comes in several forms. The right choice depends on the texture you need, how you plan to use it and whether you want plain coir or a prepared blend.

Coco Peat, Coir Bricks and Larger Blocks

Coco peat, also called coir peat or coco pith, is the finer material used to help growing mixes retain moisture. Choose a small Brunnings coir peat brick, Searles bagged coir peat or a larger compressed block according to the amount you need. Compressed coco coir bricks must be hydrated before use. Follow the pack directions, loosen the expanded material and blend or apply it as directed.

Coconut Husk Chips for Orchids and Planting Mixes

Coco chips are larger pieces of coconut husk with a coarser structure than fine coco peat. Choose orchid coir chips or Tropicoir husk chips when your planting mix calls for this type of material. Compare the available grades and select a size suited to your plants and watering routine. For other options, browse our orchid potting mixes.

Coco Perlite and Other Coir Blends

CocoEarth Coco Perlite combines 70% coir with 30% perlite for moisture retention and an open growing structure. Plain bagged CocoEarth coir is another option for preparing growing mixes. Nature's Shield Neem Coir Peat contains added neem cake fertiliser, so check the ingredients when choosing between plain coir and an enriched product. For making your own blend, explore our perlite range.

Potting Mixes, Seed Raising and Worm Farms

Coir peat can be included in potting and propagation mixes where moisture retention is useful. Use the product's recommended mixing rate and adjust your growing mix to suit the plant. Searles Horticultural Coir Peat is a convenient option for smaller batches, while larger blocks and bags suit bigger mixing jobs. Browse our seed raising mixes for other propagation options.

Suitable coir products can also provide moist bedding for worm farms. The SCRAP coconut coir product is supplied for worm farming and gardening. Prepare bedding according to the product and worm-farm instructions, and check any added ingredients before choosing a coir blend.

For hydroponics, choose coir specified for that use and follow a suitable nutrient programme. Washing, buffering, pH and salt levels depend on the product. Explore our hydroponic growing media for related options.

Comparing Coir Pack Sizes and Expanded Volumes

Check whether the listed litres describe bag contents or the expected volume after a compressed brick has been hydrated. Expansion varies between products, so compare the manufacturer's stated yield as well as the pack weight. Choose a smaller pack for occasional mixing or larger coir blocks and bags when preparing more growing medium.

For surface mulching, browse our coconut mulch collection and choose a product intended for that purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is coco coir the same as coco peat?

Coco coir is a broad term for coconut-husk growing materials. Coco peat usually means the finer pith, while coco chips are larger husk pieces. The terms sometimes overlap in product names, so check the texture and ingredients.

Is coco peat the same as peat moss?

No. Coco peat comes from coconut husks, while peat moss comes from peat deposits. They are different materials and may need different preparation and feeding arrangements in a growing mix.

How do I use a coco coir brick?

Place the brick in a container with room for expansion. Add water as directed on the packaging, allow it to hydrate and loosen the material before use. Water quantities and soaking times vary between products.

Can I use coco coir instead of potting mix?

Plain coir is a growing-medium ingredient and is not automatically equivalent to a complete potting mix. It can be blended into a suitable mix or used in a managed coir growing system with appropriate feeding. Check whether the product already contains fertiliser or other ingredients.

Does coco coir need fertiliser?

Plain coir does not provide a complete plant diet. Use a suitable fertiliser or nutrient programme for your plants and growing system. Enriched blends contain added ingredients, so follow their individual directions.

Do all coir products need washing or buffering?

No single preparation method applies to every product. Some coir is already washed or buffered; other products require preparation before use. Washing removes soluble salts, while buffering helps manage nutrient exchange. Follow the supplier's instructions, particularly for hydroponics. Buffering does not mean every coir product has a neutral pH.

Always read and follow the instructions on the product packaging and/or seek expert advice before use, and don’t depend on information on this page that may have errors or be outdated.