UK compost
What compost for crassula hummel's sunset in the UK?
Crassula ovata 'Hummel's Sunset'
More about crassula hummel's sunset in the UK
Which compost crassula hummel's sunset needs
For crassula hummel's sunset the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a cactus/succulent compost amended with extra perlite, pumice or coarse grit. Sharp drainage and a pot with drainage holes are essential; wet, heavy soil rots the roots and stems.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 crassula hummel's sunset 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?
Crassula Hummel's Sunset 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 crassula hummel's sunset soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Crassula Hummel's Sunset in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for crassula hummel's sunset in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a cactus/succulent compost amended with extra perlite, pumice or coarse grit. Sharp drainage and a pot with drainage holes are essential; wet, heavy soil rots the roots and stems. 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 crassula hummel's sunset?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for crassula hummel's sunset 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 crassula hummel's sunset perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does crassula hummel's sunset need grit or perlite added?
Yes — crassula hummel's sunset 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 crassula hummel's sunset need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Gritty, fast-draining succulent or cactus 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 crassula hummel's sunset care
See the full crassula hummel's sunset care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.