UK compost
What compost for lawes' dendrobium in the UK?
Dendrobium lawesii
More about lawes' dendrobium in the UK
Which compost lawes' dendrobium needs
For lawes' dendrobium the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. A hanging slatted basket filled with coarse orchid bark allows the pendulous canes to drape freely. The open basket also dries quickly, supporting the essential winter dry rest. Repot every 2-3 years after flowering.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 lawes' dendrobium 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?
Lawes' Dendrobium is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the lawes' dendrobium soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Lawes' Dendrobium in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for lawes' dendrobium in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. A hanging slatted basket filled with coarse orchid bark allows the pendulous canes to drape freely. The open basket also dries quickly, supporting the essential winter dry rest. Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. 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 lawes' dendrobium?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for lawes' dendrobium. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
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 lawes' dendrobium perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does lawes' dendrobium need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does lawes' dendrobium need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Coarse bark in a slatted wooden hanging basket. 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 lawes' dendrobium care
See the full lawes' dendrobium care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.