UK compost
What compost for alocasia frydek (green velvet) in the UK?
Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
More about alocasia frydek (green velvet) in the UK
Which compost alocasia frydek (green velvet) needs
For alocasia frydek (green velvet) the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use an open, chunky blend such as two parts houseplant or general-purpose peat-free compost to one part perlite, plus a handful of orchid bark or coco coir for aeration. The mix should hold some moisture but drain freely so the fine roots never sit waterlogged. Add extra perlite and grit if the spot is on the darker side.In British garden centres the bagged growing medium is sold simply as “compost” (multipurpose, ericaceous, or loam-based John Innes), which is a different thing from the rotted garden “compost” you make in a heap — for a pot you want the bagged kind.
Peat-free compost
Buy peat-free. The sale of peat compost to home gardeners is being phased out across the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free on environmental grounds. A good peat-free multipurpose grows alocasia frydek (green velvet) perfectly well; the one habit to change is watering — peat-free dries faster at the surface while still moist below, so check by feel a knuckle deep rather than trusting the look of the top.
Ericaceous or multipurpose?
Alocasia Frydek (Green Velvet) does not want a rich, water-holding compost — it wants sharp drainage. Cut peat-free multipurpose roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite, and always pot into a container with drainage holes. A "cactus and succulent" bagged mix is a ready-made shortcut.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the alocasia frydek (green velvet) soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Alocasia Frydek (Green Velvet) in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for alocasia frydek (green velvet) in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use an open, chunky blend such as two parts houseplant or general-purpose peat-free compost to one part perlite, plus a handful of orchid bark or coco coir for aeration. The mix should hold some moisture but drain freely so the fine roots never sit waterlogged. Add extra perlite and grit if the spot is on the darker side. In UK garden centres this is sold simply as "compost" — the bagged growing medium, not garden-made leaf-mould — so match the description above rather than a brand.
Can I use ordinary multipurpose compost for alocasia frydek (green velvet)?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for alocasia frydek (green velvet) and will rot the roots. Cut it roughly 50:50 with horticultural grit, sharp sand or perlite so it drains fast.
Should the compost be peat-free?
Yes. Sales of peat compost to home gardeners are being phased out in the UK, and the RHS recommends peat-free for environmental reasons. Modern peat-free multipurpose composts grow alocasia frydek (green velvet) perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does alocasia frydek (green velvet) need grit or perlite added?
Yes — alocasia frydek (green velvet) must have sharp drainage. Add about one part horticultural grit or perlite to one part compost, and always use a pot with drainage holes.
What pot and drainage does alocasia frydek (green velvet) need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Light, free-draining aroid mix. Stand it on a saucer, empty any water that collects after watering, and never leave the pot sitting in a full outer cover — waterlogged compost in a cool UK room is the commonest cause of root rot.
More alocasia frydek (green velvet) care
See the full alocasia frydek (green velvet) care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.