UK compost
What compost for johnson's pleurothallis in the UK?
Pleurothallis johnsonii
More about johnson's pleurothallis in the UK
Which compost johnson's pleurothallis needs
For johnson's pleurothallis the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A moisture-retentive, free-draining mix of fine fir bark, perlite, and chopped sphagnum works well. Small pots or baskets help prevent medium saturation. Mounting on tree-fern with a sphagnum pad is also effective in humid growing rooms.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 johnson's pleurothallis 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?
Johnson's Pleurothallis 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 johnson's pleurothallis soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Johnson's Pleurothallis in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for johnson's pleurothallis in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A moisture-retentive, free-draining mix of fine fir bark, perlite, and chopped sphagnum works well. Small pots or baskets help prevent medium saturation. Mounting on tree-fern with a sphagnum pad is also effective in humid growing rooms. 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 johnson's pleurothallis?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for johnson's pleurothallis 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 johnson's pleurothallis perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does johnson's pleurothallis need grit or perlite added?
Yes — johnson's pleurothallis 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 johnson's pleurothallis need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Fine bark and perlite orchid 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 johnson's pleurothallis care
See the full johnson's pleurothallis care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.