UK compost
What compost for graptosedum 'california sunset' in the UK?
× Graptosedum 'California Sunset'
More about graptosedum 'california sunset' in the UK
Which compost graptosedum 'california sunset' needs
For graptosedum 'california sunset' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a gritty, porous medium amended with 50-70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Plain potting soil holds too much moisture and must be amended. Plant in a container with a drainage hole to prevent 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 graptosedum 'california 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?
Graptosedum 'California 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 graptosedum 'california sunset' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Graptosedum 'California Sunset' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for graptosedum 'california sunset' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a gritty, porous medium amended with 50-70% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Plain potting soil holds too much moisture and must be amended. Plant in a container with a drainage hole to prevent 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 graptosedum 'california sunset'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for graptosedum 'california 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 graptosedum 'california 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 graptosedum 'california sunset' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — graptosedum 'california 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 graptosedum 'california sunset' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fast-draining cactus and succulent 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 graptosedum 'california sunset' care
See the full graptosedum 'california sunset' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.