Format Comparison
Grow Bags vs Blocks vs Briquettes
When to use each coir format: grow bags for production, blocks for flexibility, briquettes for propagation.
Home→Format Guide
| Spec | Coco Grow Bags | Coir Blocks | Mini Briquettes | Husk Chips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native EC | < 0.5 mS/cm | < 0.5 mS/cm (post-expansion) | < 0.3 mS/cm | < 0.5 mS/cm |
| pH range | 5.5 – 6.5 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 5.8 – 6.8 |
| AFP | 28 – 32% | 25 – 32% (mix-dependent) | 30 – 38% | 70 – 80% |
| WHC | 62 – 68% | 60 – 70% | 58 – 65% | 30 – 40% |
| Volume | 75 L (standard) | 70–75 L per 5 kg block | 8–9 L per 650 g disc | Sold by weight / bulk bag |
| Setup | Open bag. Insert dripper. Plant. | Add 50–60 L water. Expand. Use in beds, pots, or troughs. | Add 7–8 L water. Expands in 10 minutes. Ready to use. | Use as-is or blend with coir at 20–30% for aeration. |
| Reuse | 2 seasons with post-season flush | Substrate reuse possible with testing | Single use (propagation tray) | Longer lifespan than fine coir — slower breakdown |
| Min. order | Pallet (≥ 40 bags) | Pallet (≥ 80 blocks) | Carton (≥ 24 briquettes) | Bulk bag or pallet |
| Best for | Commercial greenhouse production | Bulk growing media or custom mixes | Propagation and retail/hobbyist packs | Aeration layer or orchid/epiphyte medium |
Detailed breakdown
When to use each format.
Coco Grow Bags
75 L · Pre-filled · Ready to plant
Advantages
- +No expansion step — arrives ready to plant
- +Consistent volume and shape every bag
- +Pre-buffered: EC < 0.5 mS/cm guaranteed
- +Integrated drainage slits
- +2-season lifespan reduces cost per cycle
Considerations
- –Heavier to ship (pre-filled with coir)
- –Less flexible for non-standard bed widths
Best for
Coir Blocks
5 kg compressed · Expands to 70–75 L
Advantages
- +14× compression ratio reduces shipping cost per litre
- +Flexible — use in any bed, pot, or trough format
- +Custom particle size mixes available
- +Ideal for blending with husk chips for improved aeration
- +Lower cost per litre vs pre-filled bags
Considerations
- –Requires expansion time (20–30 min) before use
- –Expansion volume varies slightly with water EC
- –No integrated drainage — requires manual slitting
Best for
Mini Briquettes
650 g · Expands to 8–9 L
Advantages
- +Lowest native EC (< 0.3 mS/cm) — ideal for sensitive seedlings
- +Portion-sized: expands to exactly one tray or pot
- +Longer shelf life than expanded substrate
- +Clean — no dust handling when dry
- +Retail pack-friendly for distributor resale
Considerations
- –Not cost-effective for large-scale production
- –Lower volume per unit than blocks
Best for
Husk Chips
10–25 mm · 70–80% AFP
Advantages
- +Highest air-filled porosity of any coir product (70–80%)
- +Ideal as drainage layer under fine coir in long bags
- +Perfect medium for orchids and epiphytic roots
- +Slower breakdown than fine coir — longer usable life
Considerations
- –Too coarse for most crops on its own
- –Lower water holding capacity — requires more frequent irrigation
Best for
Still not sure which format?
We'll specify the right format for your system.
Commercial tomatoes, peppers, or cucumbers in a greenhouse?
→ Coco Grow Bags (75 L)
Ornamentals, pot plants, or custom bed systems?
→ Coir Blocks (expand and fill)
Propagation, cloning, or seedling trays?
→ Mini Briquettes (EC < 0.3)
Orchids, aeroponics, or drainage mix?
→ Husk Chips (AFP 70–80%)
Tabletop strawberries or open-field replacement?
→ Open-Top Slabs
Bulk substrate for large trough systems?
→ Blocks or custom bulk order