UK compost
What compost for network calathea (calathea musaica) in the UK?
Goeppertia kegeljanii 'Network'
More about network calathea (calathea musaica) in the UK
Which compost network calathea (calathea musaica) needs
For network calathea (calathea musaica) the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a light, moisture-retentive but free-draining houseplant mix, ideally peat- or coir-based with added perlite or vermiculite to prevent compaction and waterlogging. A pot with drainage holes is essential to avoid root rot.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 network calathea (calathea musaica) 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?
Network Calathea (Calathea Musaica) 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 network calathea (calathea musaica) soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Network Calathea (Calathea Musaica) in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for network calathea (calathea musaica) in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a light, moisture-retentive but free-draining houseplant mix, ideally peat- or coir-based with added perlite or vermiculite to prevent compaction and waterlogging. A pot with drainage holes is essential to avoid root rot. 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 network calathea (calathea musaica)?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for network calathea (calathea musaica) 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 network calathea (calathea musaica) perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does network calathea (calathea musaica) need grit or perlite added?
Yes — network calathea (calathea musaica) 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 network calathea (calathea musaica) need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Rich, porous, well-draining peat-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 network calathea (calathea musaica) care
See the full network calathea (calathea musaica) care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.