UK compost
What compost for epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' in the UK?
Epipremnum amplissimum 'Silver Streak'
More about epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' in the UK
Which compost epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' needs
For epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A loose blend of potting mix with orchid bark, perlite and a little coco coir or charcoal gives the air and drainage these roots need. Always pot into a container with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' 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?
Epipremnum amplissimum 'Silver Streak' 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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Epipremnum amplissimum 'Silver Streak' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A loose blend of potting mix with orchid bark, perlite and a little coco coir or charcoal gives the air and drainage these roots need. Always pot into a container with drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. 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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' 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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' 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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Chunky, free-draining aroid 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 epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' care
See the full epipremnum amplissimum 'silver streak' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.