UK compost
What compost for natal sundew in the UK?
Drosera natalensis
More about natal sundew in the UK
Which compost natal sundew needs
For natal sundew the mix to buy is peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. A 50:50 mix of unfertilised sphagnum peat (or coir) and washed coarse sand or perlite is ideal. Absolutely no fertiliser, compost, or lime. Slightly acidic pH of 4.0–5.5 mimics the leached, acidic soils of Natal's wet grasslands.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 natal sundew 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?
Natal Sundew is a lime-hater: it needs an acidic, lime-free ericaceous compost. In ordinary (limey) multipurpose it slowly yellows between the leaf veins as it locks out iron. Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous", and in a hard-water area water with rainwater where you can, since tap water is slightly alkaline.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the natal sundew soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Natal Sundew in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for natal sundew in the UK?
Use peat-free ericaceous (lime-free) compost. A 50:50 mix of unfertilised sphagnum peat (or coir) and washed coarse sand or perlite is ideal. Absolutely no fertiliser, compost, or lime. Slightly acidic pH of 4.0–5.5 mimics the leached, acidic soils of Natal's wet grasslands. 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 natal sundew?
No — natal sundew needs an acidic, lime-free (ericaceous) compost. Standard multipurpose is too limey and will slowly cause yellowing between the leaf veins (lime-induced chlorosis). Buy a bag labelled "ericaceous".
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 natal sundew perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does natal sundew need grit or perlite added?
Not essential, but a couple of handfuls of perlite in the mix improves aeration and guards against overwatering — useful on a cool, damp British windowsill where compost stays wet longer.
What pot and drainage does natal sundew need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Nutrient-free carnivorous peat-sand 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 natal sundew care
See the full natal sundew care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.