UK compost
What compost for hoya 'krimson princess' in the UK?
Hoya carnosa 'Krimson Princess'
More about hoya 'krimson princess' in the UK
Which compost hoya 'krimson princess' needs
For hoya 'krimson princess' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. An airy blend of potting mix with orchid bark, perlite, and a little coir or charcoal to give the epiphytic roots air and fast drainage. It flowers best slightly pot-bound, so avoid over-potting and refresh the medium every couple of years.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 hoya 'krimson princess' 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?
Hoya 'Krimson Princess' 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 hoya 'krimson princess' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Hoya 'Krimson Princess' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for hoya 'krimson princess' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. An airy blend of potting mix with orchid bark, perlite, and a little coir or charcoal to give the epiphytic roots air and fast drainage. It flowers best slightly pot-bound, so avoid over-potting and refresh the medium every couple of years. 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 hoya 'krimson princess'?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for hoya 'krimson princess' 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 hoya 'krimson princess' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does hoya 'krimson princess' need grit or perlite added?
Yes — hoya 'krimson princess' 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 hoya 'krimson princess' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Light, chunky, free-draining epiphytic 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 hoya 'krimson princess' care
See the full hoya 'krimson princess' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.