UK compost
What compost for palo santo in the UK?
Bursera graveolens
More about palo santo in the UK
Which compost palo santo needs
For palo santo the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a commercial cactus mix amended 50:50 with perlite, pumice, or coarse grit. The mix must never remain moist for more than a day or two. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0 is suitable.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 palo santo 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?
Palo Santo 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 palo santo soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Palo Santo in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for palo santo in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a commercial cactus mix amended 50:50 with perlite, pumice, or coarse grit. The mix must never remain moist for more than a day or two. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0 is suitable. 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 palo santo?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for palo santo 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 palo santo perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does palo santo need grit or perlite added?
Yes — palo santo 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 palo santo need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Very fast-draining cactus/succulent mix with added inorganic grit. 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 palo santo care
See the full palo santo care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.