UK compost
What compost for japanese flowering cherry bonsai in the UK?
Prunus serrulata
More about japanese flowering cherry bonsai in the UK
Which compost japanese flowering cherry bonsai needs
For japanese flowering cherry bonsai the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A well-draining akadama, pumice and lava blend suits it; cherries dislike wet feet, which encourages root rot. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal root problems.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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai 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?
Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai 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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Japanese Flowering Cherry Bonsai in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for japanese flowering cherry bonsai in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A well-draining akadama, pumice and lava blend suits it; cherries dislike wet feet, which encourages root rot. Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Good drainage is essential to prevent fungal root problems. 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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for japanese flowering cherry bonsai 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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does japanese flowering cherry bonsai need grit or perlite added?
Yes — japanese flowering cherry bonsai 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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Free-draining bonsai 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 japanese flowering cherry bonsai care
See the full japanese flowering cherry bonsai care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.