It's really hard for me to find small pine bark.  Has anybody tried coco shell mulch in their potting mix?  Would it be good/bad to

I have a tiny bit mixed into my plant pots for regular houseplants because I ran out of potting soil. It hasn't hurt them any.

I tried it and didn't like it for rooting or indoor plants. It retains a LOT of moisture. For mixing in a fig mix for containers it should be fine as long as you don't use too much, but it is not a 1:1 replacement for pine bark.

Thanks Arachyd and Johnny.  I think the company mislabeled the pine bark I bought from Menards.  The label on the shrink wrapped pallet said "mini" pine bark, but the bag just says pine bark mulch. I bought it anyway thinking there'd be smaller pieces, but the bag has almost all large chunks.  I'll keep looking.

I got mine at Agway. Give one of these places a call

http://www.insiderpages.com/store_finder/results/agway/Chicago/IL

I've used coco mulch as well with no real problems, except in the first week or so I must have kept it too wet (Great point about it holding onto excess moisture Nick).. The potting mix kinda grew a little extra hair as a result lol, but since then it disappeared and everything was fine. It's not my first choice, but it'll get the job done! Lol just be aware of the "excess moisture" retaining qualities and don't let your pooch near it if you have one.. Supposedly poisonous to dogs.. It smells REALLY GOOD btw, made me crave a hershey's bar every time I walked passed the pot! Lol

Best of luck! Also check agway like Adelmanto suggested above.. They carry pine bark mulch.. Just make sure its not "Pine Mulch" That one is made from the whole tree, not just the bark so no bueno as potting mix ;)

ADelmanto and Jamie:  While I was checking online to see if there's an Agway here (there's not), I ran across pine bark nuggets at Home Depot.  I'll see tomorrow if it's the smaller size bark pieces.  Thanks for the suggestions.