UK compost
What compost for triangular rhipsalis in the UK?
Rhipsalis trigona
More about triangular rhipsalis in the UK
Which compost triangular rhipsalis needs
For triangular rhipsalis the mix to buy is peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use an open, aerated medium such as cactus or orchid bark mix blended with perlite so the fine roots get air and excess water drains freely. Heavy, water-retentive potting soil holds too much moisture and is the main cause of rot in this species.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 triangular rhipsalis 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?
Triangular Rhipsalis 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 triangular rhipsalis soil & potting-mix guide.
Compost for Triangular Rhipsalis in the UK — frequently asked questions
What compost should I use for triangular rhipsalis in the UK?
Use peat-free multipurpose compost cut roughly half-and-half with horticultural grit or perlite. Use an open, aerated medium such as cactus or orchid bark mix blended with perlite so the fine roots get air and excess water drains freely. Heavy, water-retentive potting soil holds too much moisture and is the main cause of rot in this species. 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 triangular rhipsalis?
Not on its own — multipurpose compost holds too much water for triangular rhipsalis 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 triangular rhipsalis perfectly well — they dry a little faster at the surface, so check moisture by feel rather than by the look of the top.
Does triangular rhipsalis need grit or perlite added?
Yes — triangular rhipsalis 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 triangular rhipsalis need?
Always a pot with drainage holes. Loose, fast-draining epiphytic or cactus mix with bark and perlite. 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 triangular rhipsalis care
See the full triangular rhipsalis care guide, its UK watering and UK hardiness.