UK compost
What compost for forked sundew in the UK?
Drosera binata
More about forked sundew in the UK
Which compost forked sundew needs
For forked sundew the mix to buy is peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. The standard carnivorous plant mix of equal parts lime-free peat and lime-free coarse sand is ideal; pure sphagnum moss also works well. Large pots (1-litre or more) are recommended as this species develops deep, extensive root systems that need space.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 forked sundew 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?
Forked Sundew is a lime-hater: it needs an acidic, lime-free ericaceous compost. In ordinary (limey) multipurpose it slowly yellows between the leaf veins as it locks out iron. Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous", and in a hard-water area water with rainwater where you can, since tap water is slightly alkaline.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the forked sundew soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Forked Sundew in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for forked sundew in the UK?
Use peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. The standard carnivorous plant mix of equal parts lime-free peat and lime-free coarse sand is ideal; pure sphagnum moss also works well. Large pots (1-litre or more) are recommended as this species develops deep, extensive root systems that need space. 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 forked sundew?
No — forked sundew needs an acidic, lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Standard multipurpose is too limey and will slowly cause yellowing between the leaf veins (lime-induced chlorosis). Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous".
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 forked sundew perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does forked sundew 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 forked sundew need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. 1:1 lime-free peat (or peat-free equivalent) and washed horticultural sand. 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 forked sundew care
See the full forked sundew care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.