UK compost
What compost for teddy bear vine in the UK?
Cyanotis kewensis
More about teddy bear vine in the UK
Which compost teddy bear vine needs
For teddy bear vine the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A well-draining sandy compost or a mix of regular potting soil with up to 50% perlite or coarse grit works well. Heavy, moisture-retentive soils are likely to cause 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 teddy bear vine 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?
Teddy Bear Vine 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 teddy bear vine soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Teddy Bear Vine in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for teddy bear vine in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A well-draining sandy compost or a mix of regular potting soil with up to 50% perlite or coarse grit works well. Heavy, moisture-retentive soils are likely to cause 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 teddy bear vine?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for teddy bear vine 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 teddy bear vine perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does teddy bear vine need grit or perlite added?
Yes — teddy bear vine 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 teddy bear vine need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Free-draining sandy or cactus-type 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 teddy bear vine care
See the full teddy bear vine care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.