UK compost
What compost for african violet 'optimara everfloris' in the UK?
Saintpaulia 'Optimara EverFloris'
More about african violet 'optimara everfloris' in the UK
Which compost african violet 'optimara everfloris' needs
For african violet 'optimara everfloris' the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost. Use a fluffy, fast-draining peat-based African violet blend, or potting mix lightened with perlite and vermiculite. Heavy soil suffocates the fine roots. A small, shallow pot suits the shallow root system and supports steady blooming.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 african violet 'optimara everfloris' 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?
African Violet 'Optimara EverFloris' is straightforward: an ordinary peat-free multipurpose compost is right. For a big specimen or a pot it will live in for years, mixing in some loam-based John Innes No.2 or No.3 adds weight and holds nutrients longer. Ericaceous compost is not needed unless a plant is specifically a lime-hater.
For the full recipe, pH and drainage detail (US wording), see the african violet 'optimara everfloris' soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for African Violet 'Optimara EverFloris' in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for african violet 'optimara everfloris' in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost. Use a fluffy, fast-draining peat-based African violet blend, or potting mix lightened with perlite and vermiculite. Heavy soil suffocates the fine roots. A small, shallow pot suits the shallow root system and supports steady blooming. 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 african violet 'optimara everfloris'?
Yes. A good peat-free multipurpose compost is exactly right for african violet 'optimara everfloris'. For a large or long-term pot you can mix in some John Innes No.2 or No.3 (loam-based) for extra weight and staying power.
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 african violet 'optimara everfloris' perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does african violet 'optimara everfloris' 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 african violet 'optimara everfloris' need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Light, well-aerated African violet 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 african violet 'optimara everfloris' care
See the full african violet 'optimara everfloris' care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.