UK compost
What compost for anthurium magnificum × crystallinum in the UK?
Anthurium magnificum × Anthurium crystallinum
More about anthurium magnificum × crystallinum in the UK
Which compost anthurium magnificum × crystallinum needs
For anthurium magnificum × crystallinum the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a fast-draining blend of orchid bark, perlite, coco chips and a little sphagnum or worm castings for an oxygen-rich, free-draining root zone. Both parents are epiphytic and rot in dense soil. Keep the pH slightly acidic and repot as the mix breaks down.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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum 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?
Anthurium Magnificum × Crystallinum 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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Anthurium Magnificum × Crystallinum in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for anthurium magnificum × crystallinum in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a fast-draining blend of orchid bark, perlite, coco chips and a little sphagnum or worm castings for an oxygen-rich, free-draining root zone. Both parents are epiphytic and rot in dense soil. Keep the pH slightly acidic and repot as the mix breaks down. 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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for anthurium magnificum × crystallinum 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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does anthurium magnificum × crystallinum need grit or perlite added?
Yes — anthurium magnificum × crystallinum 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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Chunky, airy 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 anthurium magnificum × crystallinum care
See the full anthurium magnificum × crystallinum care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.