Best Soil for Monstera Plants [Commercial & DIY]

Many believe Monstera to be easy-growing, but a slight change in the soil could make it difficult for your beloved plant.

Read on to learn the appropriate soil requirement of Monstera, along with some DIY soil mix ideas.

What Kind of Soil is Best for Monstera?

Monstera is one of the hardy plants that can grow in almost any harsh conditions.

But, among all the factors that Monstera, including Monstera Borsigiana, Monstera Lechleriana, and Monstera Peru, can sustain, you need to be extra careful about the soil you provide to the plant.

Let us now look at the characteristics of the best Monstera soil.

1. Moisture Retention & Drainage

Plants like Monstera do not like having ‘wet feet,’ meaning they do not like standing on too much water.

Excessive water in the root zone leads to soggy and mushy roots with a foul smell.

Further, the rotted root elevates into stunted growth and wilted droopy plants. 

That said, prolonged dryness in the soil doesn’t allow the plant access to dissolved minerals and nutrients. 

Similarly, if the water drains slowly, the plant may suffer from root rot, eventually killing it.

Adding some gravel to the bottom of your container may also increase drainage and aeration.

You can use terracotta pots or glazed ceramic pots with draining properties for better results. 

Or, your can explore many other fancy planters available in the market, keeping the properties in mind.

To make a well-draining soil, loosen the soil by digging it and mixing in some organic materials.

2. Soil Aeration

Good aeration allows the air to reach the plant roots; hence, the plant will have proper growth.

Inorganic materials like perlite and vermiculite enhance soil air space, making them light and fluffy for easy root penetration.

Especially when you repot the Monstera, adding coco coir and sand can help ease the compaction in the soil.

Further, use a plug aerator or garden spike to increase the porosity when growing Monstera on your lawn.

3. Nutrient-rich Soil and pH

Monstera is not too finicky about extra nutrient supply, but you need to provide it with slightly acidic soil, including basic nutrients.

Also, nutrient-rich soil harbors a plethora of beneficial microorganisms that benefit the plant significantly.

You can add organic matter like eggshells and vegetable residues to the soil to increase the nutrient content without side effects.

Similarly, a slight drop or increase in the pH affects plants’ absorption rate. 

Consider adding ground agriculture limestone to the soil if it is too acidic, elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid to cut down on salinity.

Search for soils that contains peat moss, coco coir, or pine bark to maintain the pH and create a suitable growing environment.

Signs you are using Wrong Soil Mix for Monstera

Your Monstera will display signs of stress; the earlier you catch up on the symptoms, you may prevent grave damage.

Look for the following signs to know that your Monstera plant needs soil change.

• Yellow droopy leaves: Monstera yellow leaves followed by drooping leaves could result from a lack of organic matter in the soil, fluctuating pH, and lack of moisture retention.
• Pests Infestation: Excessive moisture in the soil makes the perfect home for pests and infections to grow. Pests like thrips, spider mites, and scale are more prevalent in the plant with fertilizer overabundance.
• Soggy dark roots: Improper drainage and water accumulation in the root zone turn the root mushy and foul smelling. Compacted soil could also be the culprit. 
• Water logging: Water fails to percolate into the dry and hard soil. Often, lack of pore space also leads to low water infiltration.
• Stunted growth: Wrong soil mix result in unhealthy and underdeveloped roots that hinder the plant’s growth.

Besides the best soil for Monstera, its well-being depends on other external factors like light, temperature, humidity, and watering. 

Best Commercial Soil for Monstera

Below are some commercial potting soil options for Monstera.

Make Your Potting Mix for Monstera

Composing your own mix could be a better idea at times when you fail to get potting mixes specially formulated for Monstera.

Here are some DIY ideas I have followed over many years to grow and repot my Monsteras.

Recipe 1

• Three parts of orchid bark
• Three parts coco coir
• One-part of activated charcoal
• One-part worm castings and three-part perlite

Recipe 2

• Mix Three parts of potting soil
• Two parts perlite
• 25% compost

Frequently Asked Questions about Monsteras

Can I use cactus soil for Monstera?

Cactus soil has extreme draining properties apt for the desert succulent.

When blended with organic matter, perlite, or coco coir, those work great for the Monstera.

When should I not repot Monstera?

Monstera is ideally repotted during the summer when it enters the active growing phase.

Moreover, roots peeking out of the drainage hole slowed growth, and stagnant water signifies immediate repotting.

But, you should avoid repotting during the cooler months as plants go into dormancy.