Coco fiber substrate is offered in four combinations that cross two distinct decisions: which particle size to use (fine Pith or coarse Chips) and in what format to buy it (bag of 5 blocks or pallet of 240). Particle size is an agronomic decision that changes the substrate's behavior; the format is a logistical decision that depends on the volume you handle. This comparison helps you make both decisions judiciously.
🎯 Choose your variant in 10 seconds
- If your case is a seedbed, nursery, or household cultivation that retains a lot of water: go to the Medium (Pith) variant in bags
- If your case is commercial horticultural production with Pith in large volumes: go to the Medium (Pith) variant on a pallet
- If your case is orchid growing, potted ornamentals, or crops that require good drainage: go to the Coarse (Chips) variant in bags
- If your case is a commercial nursery with Chips in large volumes: go to the Coarse (Chips) variant on a pallet
What to consider before choosing a variant
The choice is divided into two independent questions. First, the particle size (what substrate your crop needs); then, the format (how much you buy at once). These are the key criteria:
- Particle size and water retention: Pith (0–6 mm) retains a lot of water, releases it slowly, and is ideal for germination and crops that tolerate sustained humidity. Chips (12–18 mm) drain quickly and provide aeration to the root ball: essential for roots that do not tolerate waterlogging (orchids, anthuriums, potted ornamentals).
- Particle size and aeration: Chips create macropores where air circulates, preventing root suffocation in large pots. Pure Pith tends to compact in deep pots; it is often combined with perlite or vermiculite to maintain aeration.
- Block hydration: Blocks come pressed and dry. Each 5 kg block hydrates with approximately 25–30 L of water and produces 60 to 75 L of loose substrate, depending on particle size and compaction. Hydrate gradually with warm water and let it rest for 30–40 minutes before use.
- Conductivity and washing: Coco fiber blocks may contain natural salts from the process. For sensitive crops (germination, delicate ornamentals), it is advisable to do an initial wash with clean water after hydrating and discard the wash water before planting.
- Format and rotation: The 5-block bag (25 kg) is the unit for domestic use, garden, small nurseries, or trials. The 240-block pallet (1,200 kg) is for commercial horticultural production, nurseries with constant rotation, or growers who want to minimize the cost per block. Buy by the pallet only if you have dry storage space and enough rotation to use it within a season.
Medium (Pith) in bags: the entry point for seedbeds and domestic use
- Pith 0–6 mm: maximum water retention
- 25 kg bag: easy to handle and store
- Compatible with germination trays
- Reasonable minimum purchase for individuals
- Higher cost per block than the pallet
- Tends to compact in deep pots
Pith in a 5-block bag is the standard option for individuals, urban gardening, and small nursery seedbeds. The fine particle size retains water and releases moisture sustainably, reducing watering frequency in germination trays and small pots. For crops in deep pots, it is advisable to combine it with expanded perlite in a 70/30 ratio to maintain aeration.
Medium (Pith) on a pallet: the commercial horticultural format
- 240 blocks (1,200 kg) in a single unit
- Lower cost per block than the bag format
- Optimizes purchases for vegetables in substrate
- Reduces handling per unit received
- Requires dry and ventilated storage space
- Handling with forklift or pallet jack
- Oversized for individual use
Pith on a pallet is the format for growers who use coco fiber as their base growing medium: tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, or bell peppers in soilless systems. Buying by the pallet lowers the cost per block and simplifies receiving logistics. It is advisable to have dry and ventilated storage space so that the blocks do not absorb ambient moisture before hydration.
Coarse (Chips) in bags: the draining option for potted plants
- Chips 12–18 mm: drains quickly and aerates well
- Prevents compaction in deep pots
- Ideal mixed with bark for epiphytes
- 25 kg bag: practical for small-scale production
- Lower water retention than Pith
- Higher watering frequency than with Pith
- Not recommended for germination
Chips in bags are the option for individuals and small nurseries that grow potted ornamentals where drainage is a priority: orchids, anthuriums, epiphytic ferns, bromeliads, indoor ficus. The coarse particle size maintains macropores for air circulation and prevents typical root suffocation of fine substrates in pots. For acidophilic plant nurseries, it is commonly mixed with pine bark in a 50/50 ratio.
Coarse (Chips) on a pallet: the commercial nursery format
- 240 blocks (1,200 kg) per unit
- Optimized cost per block for production
- Ideal for ornamental nurseries in pots
- Reduces logistics of recurring deliveries
- Requires dry space for 1,200 kg
- High volume: only if rotation is guaranteed
- Oversized for sporadic use
Chips on a pallet are the option for ornamental nurseries, commercial-scale orchid or anthurium growers, and operations that mix large volumes of base substrate with barks and perlite to produce standard mixes. Like Pith on a pallet, this format lowers the cost per block but requires storage and rotation planning.
Comparison table of variants
The four variants differ along two axes: particle size (agronomic decision) and format (logistical decision).
| Feature | Pith bag | Pith pallet | Chips bag | Chips pallet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKU | 222455 | 124124 | 234600 | 632410 |
| Particle size | Pith 0–6 mm | Pith 0–6 mm | Chips 12–18 mm | Chips 12–18 mm |
| Format | 5 blocks | 240 blocks | 5 blocks | 240 blocks |
| Total weight | 25 kg (55 lb) | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) | 25 kg (55 lb) | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Water retention | High | High | Medium-low | Medium-low |
| Root aeration | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| Target audience | Individuals / nurseries | Commercial horticulture | Individuals / nurseries | Commercial nursery |
Use case matrix → recommended variant
| If your case is… | Recommended variant |
|---|---|
| Seedbeds, nurseries, and germination trays | → Pith in bags |
| Home growing of potted or raised bed vegetables | → Pith in bag |
| Commercial horticultural production of tomato, cucumber, or bell pepper in substrate | → Pith in pallet |
| Orchids, anthuriums, or epiphytic ferns in pots | → Chips in bag |
| Ornamentals that require fast drainage in deep pots | → Chips in bag |
| Commercial nursery for orchids, anthuriums, or ornamentals in pots | → Chips in pallet |
Don't think of the choice as a single decision between four variants. Think of it as two consecutive decisions: first define the granulometry based on the crop (Pith for water retention, Chips for drainage and aeration), and only then choose the format according to the monthly volume you handle. When in doubt between Pith and Chips, consider mixing 70% Pith + 30% Chips to obtain a substrate balanced in retention and drainage, ideal for most potted crops.
Do not use Chips for seed germination. The coarse granulometry does not maintain the constant humidity that the seed needs to hydrate the testa, and the radicle can dry out before exploring the medium. For germination, always use Pith (0–6 mm), even if you are going to transplant later to a substrate with Chips. The compaction of Pith in a small tray is useful there: it keeps the seed hydrated until it sprouts.
Are you undecided between Pith and Chips for your crop?
Tell us what crop you are going to plant, in what container (tray, small pot, deep pot, raised bed) and the approximate volume you need per month. You will receive the exact recommendation of granulometry, format and, if applicable, the mixture with perlite or vermiculite to optimize your substrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hydrate a pressed block?
Place the block in a large container (wheelbarrow or mortar tub) and pour 25 to 30 L of warm water per 5 kg block. Wait 30–40 minutes for the fiber to fully expand. Then, separate the fiber with a shovel or your hands to break up any clumps. A 5 kg block yields between 60 and 75 L of loose substrate, depending on granulometry and compaction level.
Do I need to wash the fiber before using it?
For germination and sensitive crops, yes. After hydrating, let it sit for 30 minutes, then manually squeeze or press the fiber to drain the hydration water. Repeat once with clean water. This reduces natural salts from the manufacturing process and lowers the electrical conductivity, which is important for seeds and susceptible plants. For hardy potted crops, it is not mandatory, but recommended.
Can I reuse the substrate next season?
Yes, with limitations. Coco fiber decomposes slowly, and after an intense growing cycle, it retains between 70% and 85% of its water retention capacity. To reuse, remove large roots, mix with compost or a small proportion (10–15%) of fresh fiber, and reactivate with clean irrigation before replanting. For crops sensitive to soil diseases (tomato, lettuce), it is advisable to rotate and not reuse.