UK compost
What compost for lycaste skinneri in the UK?
Lycaste skinneri
More about lycaste skinneri in the UK
Which compost lycaste skinneri needs
For lycaste skinneri the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A free-draining bark-based mix with some perlite or charcoal in a pot that lets roots dry between waterings. Many growers add a little sphagnum or fine bark for the moisture-loving root tips. Repot every two years as growth begins, just before new roots extend, because Lycaste resents soggy, broken-down media.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 lycaste skinneri 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?
Lycaste skinneri 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 lycaste skinneri soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Lycaste skinneri in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for lycaste skinneri in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. A free-draining bark-based mix with some perlite or charcoal in a pot that lets roots dry between waterings. Many growers add a little sphagnum or fine bark for the moisture-loving root tips. Repot every two years as growth begins, just before new roots extend, because Lycaste resents soggy, broken-down media. 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 lycaste skinneri?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for lycaste skinneri 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 lycaste skinneri perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does lycaste skinneri need grit or perlite added?
Yes — lycaste skinneri 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 lycaste skinneri need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Open medium-grade bark 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 lycaste skinneri care
See the full lycaste skinneri care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.