UK compost
What compost for splendid anthurium in the UK?
Anthurium splendidum
More about splendid anthurium in the UK
Which compost splendid anthurium needs
For splendid anthurium the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Blend orchid bark, perlite, and a moisture-holding component such as coco coir or peat (some growers add horticultural charcoal and sphagnum). The goal is an airy, free-draining medium that holds some moisture around the roots without compacting, since this species is highly prone to root rot in dense or waterlogged soil.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 splendid anthurium 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?
Splendid Anthurium 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 splendid anthurium soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Splendid Anthurium in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for splendid anthurium in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Blend orchid bark, perlite, and a moisture-holding component such as coco coir or peat (some growers add horticultural charcoal and sphagnum). The goal is an airy, free-draining medium that holds some moisture around the roots without compacting, since this species is highly prone to root rot in dense or waterlogged soil. 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 splendid anthurium?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for splendid anthurium 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 splendid anthurium perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does splendid anthurium need grit or perlite added?
Yes — splendid anthurium 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 splendid anthurium need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Chunky, fast-draining epiphytic 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 splendid anthurium care
See the full splendid anthurium care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.