UK compost
What compost for mysore trumpetvine in the UK?
Thunbergia mysorensis
More about mysore trumpetvine in the UK
Which compost mysore trumpetvine needs
For mysore trumpetvine the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Under glass, use a peat-free loam-based compost (e.g., John Innes No. 3) with added perlite for drainage. Outdoors in the ground, plant in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. Good drainage is critical; waterlogged roots cause rapid decline.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 mysore trumpetvine 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?
Mysore trumpetvine 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 mysore trumpetvine soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Mysore trumpetvine in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for mysore trumpetvine in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Under glass, use a peat-free loam-based compost (e.g., John Innes No. 3) with added perlite for drainage. Outdoors in the ground, plant in humus-rich, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. Good drainage is critical; waterlogged roots cause rapid decline. 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 mysore trumpetvine?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for mysore trumpetvine 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 mysore trumpetvine perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does mysore trumpetvine need grit or perlite added?
Yes — mysore trumpetvine 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 mysore trumpetvine need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Loam-based, free-draining potting compost. 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 mysore trumpetvine care
See the full mysore trumpetvine care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.