UK compost
What compost for hottentot fig in the UK?
Carpobrotus edulis
More about hottentot fig in the UK
Which compost hottentot fig needs
For hottentot fig the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Tolerates very poor, sandy, and rocky soils. Thrives in coastal, salt-exposed sites where few other plants survive. Requires sharp drainage — avoid clay or waterlogged ground. Will grow in near-pure sand if given adequate sun. Not suitable for enriched garden borders.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 hottentot fig 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?
Hottentot Fig 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 hottentot fig soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Hottentot Fig in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for hottentot fig in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Tolerates very poor, sandy, and rocky soils. Thrives in coastal, salt-exposed sites where few other plants survive. Requires sharp drainage — avoid clay or waterlogged ground. Will grow in near-pure sand if given adequate sun. Not suitable for enriched garden borders. 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 hottentot fig?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for hottentot fig 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 hottentot fig perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does hottentot fig need grit or perlite added?
Yes — hottentot fig 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 hottentot fig need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Sandy, poor, well-drained soil; tolerates saline and coastal conditions. 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 hottentot fig care
See the full hottentot fig care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.