Where to buy good coconut husk chips

[Jerry Delaney]

Since you are in California, you might take a look at Calwest Tropical Supply.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Thanks for your understanding- I'll be interested to see what happens!

Aren't CHC good for growers prone to overwatering? (I live in a dry environment too, so go figure)
I'm thinking of mixing some with a little perlite and charcoal for my phals.

Izzie - chc retains moisture longer, but is airer, than bark. They're like little sponge chips lol
It also breaks down more slowly than bark.
But you will need to water less often probably. I most definitely have over-watered plants potted in chc - Now all my pots have skewers in them

[Tropicgirl]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Is this what you're thinking of?
Exo Terra Coco Husks Tropical Substrate - Substrate - Reptile - PetSmart

Yep, that's the stuff.

[got ants]

So, can I cut my own chips? (assuming it's from the coconut, itself)?

[Tropicgirl]

I don't see why not. I wouldn't use any coconuts collected on shorelines, they would need to be washed because of the salt. I think it may be difficult -coconuts are tough cookies- but it could be done.

[got ants]

There is a lady down here who specifically grows in coconut husk, albeit open halves. She goes by the name "Coconut Orchids" in Davie, FL..

Yeah, I know that cutting it can be difficult, but if I set up a jig to hold the coconut, and use my sawzall, it should be a breeze. Just gotta be sure to count all da fingas when I'm done...lol

[Tropicgirl]

Oh, I love the sawzall! I have used it as a bonsai tool but now I have another use for it! Or I should say, my husband has another use for it

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by got ants

So who wants free CHC?

Come to my house and you can have all you want.

Since this cold winter, I have branches, coconuts, all over the place falling off my coconut trees. My neighbors coconut completely died and I'm cutting it down this weekend.

So, just what part of the coconut tree is this husk from?

Hey if they're legit and decent quality, I might consider paying for shipping depending on how far away you are.

[Tropicgirl]

I finally picked up the coco chips from the pet store. It's a little finer than I thought it would be but I'm going to try it on a phal and see how it does.

[Cym Ladye]

Hey Everyone,

Goofy is in the Northern CA. Bay Area and there are many places near him where orchid products of quality are available and can be picked up without shipping across the country! My best recommendation is

Hydroponics & Organics

They have several locations. There is also Maplethorpe Orchids in Soquel, CA but that is a little longer drive from Newark. Be warned about cheap non-orchid/non plant suppliers for CHC to be used for agricultural purposes.

CL