I accidentally picked up 40 liters of compost instead of the potting mix I meant to buy. I'm planning to amend it with some orchid bark, perlite, vermiculite, coco coir, and worm castings. Is using the compost okay, or should I just go get the actual potting mix? Do I need to skip the worm castings?
2 Answers
It really depends on what plants you're using it for! I've had great success using compost for Over 100 houseplants. Sometimes I add perlite for extra bulk, which really helps. Just keep in mind that orchids do best in bark or a mix specifically for their needs. Cacti can thrive in compost too, as long as it drains well. I recently switched to coco coir to manage my plant growth better since it's cheaper to buy in bulk and I can add nutrients as needed.
If you're using it for aroids like monstera, compost can be fine, but you might want to lighten the mix to avoid it being too dense. Adding chunks like coco husks or more orchid bark would help with aeration and drainage. Watch out for it being too nutrient-rich, though, especially with worm castings. It's all about balance!