RIOCOCO® PCM Grow Bag Slab — 18L — Compressed — 40in x 6in x 5in — Coco Chips & Natural Coir Mix

RIOCOCO® PCM Grow Bag Slab — 18L — Coco Chips & Natural Coir Mix

RIOCOCO® PCM Grow Bag Slabs are professional-grade coco coir growing bags engineered for high-performance drip hydroponic production systems. The PCM (Precision Coir Media) designation reflects RIOCOCO's commitment to consistent, engineered coco media that delivers a predictable, optimized air-to-water ratio in every bag — eliminating the inconsistency that plagues lower-quality coco coir products. Each bag contains a proprietary blend of coarse coco chips and fine natural coir fiber that, when expanded with water, provides a structurally stable growing slab with the ideal combination of drainage, aeration, and moisture retention for vigorous root development from transplant through harvest.

The compressed format ships efficiently and expands to 18 liters when hydrated — deploying at 40 x 6 x 5 inches for compatibility with standard drip slab production systems. RIOCOCO coco media is triple-washed and buffered to remove excess soluble salts and sodium, ensuring a clean starting pH and EC for precise nutrient management from day one.

Key Features & Benefits

• Precision Coir Media (PCM) Blend: The proprietary PCM formulation combines coarse coco chips (which create large air pockets and excellent drainage channels) with fine natural coir fiber (which retains moisture and supports capillary water distribution) — engineering a dual-structure growing environment that addresses both aeration and water retention simultaneously.
• Optimized Air-to-Water Ratio: The chip-and-fiber blend achieves an air-to-water ratio that closely mirrors high-performance stonewool slabs — providing roots with both the oxygen and moisture they need for rapid, vigorous growth in drip-irrigated systems.
• Triple-Washed & Buffered: RIOCOCO's triple-washing and calcium-magnesium buffering process removes excess soluble sodium and potassium from the raw coco fiber, delivering a clean, consistent starting EC and pH that requires minimal adjustment before use with standard nutrient programs.
• Compressed for Efficient Shipping: The compressed slab format reduces shipping volume and weight compared to pre-expanded coco slabs, making it more cost-effective to transport and store before deployment. Simply hydrate the bag to expand it to full 18L volume before transplanting.
• 40in x 6in x 5in Slab Profile: The expanded dimensions are compatible with standard drip production channel systems used in commercial indoor cultivation and greenhouse operations, fitting alongside other standard coco slab formats.

Who Should Use This

RIOCOCO® PCM Grow Bag Slabs are the growing media of choice for commercial indoor cultivation operations running drip-to-waste coco systems that demand consistent, high-performance media with a reliable air-to-water ratio batch after batch. They are also excellent for serious home growers building a coco drip system who want premium media quality without the variability of lower-grade coco products. RIOCOCO's precision buffering and consistent chip-to-fiber ratio make it one of the most dependable coco slab options on the market.

Compatibility

Compatible with all hydroponic nutrient programs. Designed for drip-to-waste and recirculating drip hydroponic production systems. Pre-hydrate the bag before use and flush with pH-adjusted water to confirm EC is within acceptable range before beginning your nutrient program. Compatible with standard drip production channel and gutter systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PCM blend ratio of coco chips to natural coir?

RIOCOCO's PCM blend ratio is proprietary and may vary by product SKU to achieve the target air-to-water ratio for each specific application. The PCM designation guarantees a consistent engineered ratio in every bag, but the exact chip-to-fiber percentage is not publicly disclosed. Contact RIOCOCO or your distributor for detailed media specifications.

How do I expand and prepare the grow bag before use?

Cut the top of the compressed bag and slowly add clean, pH-adjusted water (target pH 5.8–6.2) until the bag fully expands to its 18L volume. Allow the water to fully absorb before planting. Flush with nutrient solution at your starting EC before transplanting to ensure the media is fully hydrated and primed for your nutrient program.

Does RIOCOCO coco require additional buffering before use?

RIOCOCO PCM media is triple-washed and pre-buffered with calcium-magnesium during production, significantly reducing the need for additional buffering compared to unbuffered coco. However, it is still recommended to flush with your nutrient solution before transplanting and monitor EC runoff to confirm the media is fully primed.

How does coco chip-and-fiber compare to pure coco fiber?

Pure coco fiber retains more moisture but has lower air porosity. Coco chips provide better drainage and aeration but retain less moisture between irrigation cycles. The PCM chip-and-fiber blend combines both — delivering the drainage and aeration benefits of chips with the moisture retention of fine fiber in a single engineered medium.

Is this product compatible with organic nutrient programs?

RIOCOCO PCM media is coco coir — an organic material that is compatible with both conventional and organic nutrient programs. For certified organic growing, verify that the specific RIOCOCO product and your nutrient program meet the certification requirements of your certifying organization.