The Ultimate DIY Aroid Mix: Why Your Plants Need Coco Chips

What Is the Best DIY Aroid Potting Mix?

The best DIY aroid potting mix is a chunky, well-draining blend made of 2 parts coco chips, 1 part coconut coir (or peat alternative), and 1–1.5 parts perlite.

Aroids such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium require high aeration around the roots. Dense soil suffocates roots and increases the risk of rot. A chunky mix mimics their natural rainforest habitat, where roots grow in leaf litter and bark pockets rather than compact soil.

Why Do Aroids Need a “Chunky” Soil Mix?

Aroids need a chunky mix because their roots require oxygen and rapid drainage.

Unlike moisture-loving plants, most aroids are epiphytic or semi-epiphytic. In nature, they grow attached to trees. Their roots absorb moisture quickly but cannot tolerate stagnant water.

A dense potting mix causes:

• Root rot
• Fungal growth
• Poor oxygen exchange
• Slow growth

Chunky components like coco chips create air pockets that improve aeration and prevent waterlogging.

What Is the Ideal Aroid Soil Recipe?

Recommended DIY Aroid Mix Ratio

• 2 parts coco chips
• 1 part coco coir
• 1–1.5 parts perlite
• Optional: horticultural charcoal (10%)

Why This Ratio Works

• Coco chips provide structure and long-term chunkiness.
• Coco coir retains moderate moisture.
• Perlite improves drainage and prevents compaction.

This balance supports both moisture retention and airflow — the two key requirements for aroids.

Why Are Coco Chips Better Than Regular Potting Soil?

Coco chips outperform regular potting soil for aroids because they resist compaction and improve root aeration.

Standard potting soil often contains fine peat particles. Over time, peat compacts and reduces oxygen availability. Coco chips maintain their structure for years.

Key Advantages of Coco Chips:

• Excellent drainage
• High porosity
• Sustainable alternative to peat
• Long-lasting structure
• Resistant to rapid decomposition

Unlike bark, coco chips do not break down quickly, making them more stable in long-term aroid care.

How Long Do Coco Chips Last in a Potting Mix?

Coco chips typically last 3 to 4 years before needing replacement.

Bark decomposes within 12–18 months. As it breaks down, drainage decreases and repotting becomes necessary.

Coco chips degrade much slower, maintaining airflow and structure for extended periods.

This makes them ideal for:

• Large Monstera plants
• Mature Philodendrons
• Indoor jungle collections

Do Coco Chips Prevent Root Rot?

Yes. Coco chips significantly reduce the risk of root rot when used in a proper chunky mix.

Root rot occurs when roots sit in stagnant, oxygen-deprived conditions. The porous structure of coco chips prevents water stagnation.

However, proper watering practices are still essential. Even well-draining mixes can fail under overwatering.

Which Aroids Benefit Most from Coco Chip Mix?

Coco chip mixes are ideal for:

• Monstera deliciosa
• Philodendron varieties
• Anthuriums
• Alocasias
• Syngoniums

These plants naturally prefer airy, well-draining substrates.

Is Coco Chips Mix Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. Coco chip-based DIY mixes are beginner-friendly because they are forgiving.

They reduce common mistakes such as:

• Overwatering damage
• Soil compaction
• Poor drainage

The visible chunky texture also helps growers understand moisture levels more clearly.

Why Choose TrueCoirs Coco Chips for Aroid Mix?

TrueCoirs coco chips are processed specifically for horticultural use.

They offer:

• Uniform chip size
• Low EC (salt content)
• Pre-washed and buffered options
• Sustainable sourcing

For indoor plant enthusiasts looking to replace expensive boutique mixes, TrueCoirs coco chips provide a cost-effective, professional-grade alternative.