UK compost
What compost for chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' in the UK?
Trachycarpus fortunei 'Bulgaria'
More about chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' in the UK
Which compost chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' needs
For chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A loam-based compost (such as John Innes No.2/3) opened up with grit or perlite. Sharp drainage is essential for cold-hardiness; heavy, sodden soil in winter is far more dangerous than frost itself.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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' 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?
Chinese Windmill Palm 'Bulgaria' 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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Chinese Windmill Palm 'Bulgaria' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A loam-based compost (such as John Innes No.2/3) opened up with grit or perlite. Sharp drainage is essential for cold-hardiness; heavy, sodden soil in winter is far more dangerous than frost itself. 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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' 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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' 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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Free-draining loam-based 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 chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' care
See the full chinese windmill palm 'bulgaria' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.