UK compost
What compost for scindapsus pictus jade satin in the UK?
Scindapsus pictus 'Jade Satin'
More about scindapsus pictus jade satin in the UK
Which compost scindapsus pictus jade satin needs
For scindapsus pictus jade satin the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a houseplant mix with added perlite and orchid bark for drainage and aeration. Like other scindapsus it dislikes heavy, water-retentive soil that keeps roots wet.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 scindapsus pictus jade satin 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?
Scindapsus Pictus Jade Satin 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 scindapsus pictus jade satin soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Scindapsus Pictus Jade Satin in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for scindapsus pictus jade satin in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use a houseplant mix with added perlite and orchid bark for drainage and aeration. Like other scindapsus it dislikes heavy, water-retentive soil that keeps roots wet. 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 scindapsus pictus jade satin?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for scindapsus pictus jade satin 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 scindapsus pictus jade satin perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does scindapsus pictus jade satin need grit or perlite added?
Yes — scindapsus pictus jade satin 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 scindapsus pictus jade satin need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Well-draining, airy potting 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 scindapsus pictus jade satin care
See the full scindapsus pictus jade satin care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.