About Monstera Soil & Care

Monstera is a big-leafed aroid plant (often confused with philodendron) native to South America, where it vines up to 30 feet. It attaches itself to the trees using its aerial root. 

This tropical plant comes in various varieties, including:

• Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese plant)
• Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (mini monstera)
• Monstera adansonii
• Monstera acacoyaguensis
• Monstera acuminata
• Variegated Monstera deliciosa plant like Thai constellation or mint monstera 

How to grow a monstera plant?

Growing monstera is quite simple. 

All you need are healthy cuttings (preferably with a new leaf sprouting from it), a favorable environment, and the best soil mix. 

As an indoor plant, monstera grows best in ample indirect sunlight and aerated, well draining soil. The growing season for this houseplant is from spring through fall.

Here’s everything else you need to know about growing monstera — from the perfect monstera soil to plant care:

1. Characteristics of Monstera Soil

The best soil for monstera has the following characteristics:

• Monstera needs nutrient-rich potting soil that mimics tropical soil, which is continuously fed by biodegradable plants and animal droppings. It’s also well-aerated by the lively microbial activity.

• The plant doesn’t like “wet feet.” So, you must ensure that your potting soil has good drainage and aeration to prevent water logging.

• Even though the monstera plant needs well-drained potting soil, it also needs plenty of moisture that imitates the high humidity of its natural habitat. So, ensure your potting soil has good moisture retention.

2. Monstera Soil Ingredients

Monstera potting soil usually contains ingredients like biochar that help with nutrient and water retention. 

Biochar also improves soil drainage, preventing root rot — which can cause brown spots on monstera leaves. It’s also carbon negative, making it a great alternative to unsustainable materials like peat moss, coco coir, and perlite.

The growing medium should also contain compost that provides this tropical plant with the necessary nutrients.

On top of that, a monstera potting soil mix may contain pine bark or orchid bark chips and sand for better aeration.

Note: Unlike Rosy’s soil mix, most traditional indoor plant mixes are sterilized with chemicals, which may not be good for your plant in the long run. 

3. Monstera Plant Care

Here are some pro tips to take care of your indoor plant:

• Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch monstera leaves.

• To provide ample moisture, water your Swiss cheese plant (or any other variety) when the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry. Dry soil can give rise to spider mite, which can suck out the sap from the leaf. 

• Avoid overwatering your houseplant, which may cause root rot or fungus gnats. Too much water will also hinder oxygen and nutrient supply, which can cause the leaf of your houseplant to turn yellow.

• Use a moss pole for this potted plant so its aerial root system has something to hold onto. 

• Monstera doesn’t require frequent repotting — once every two years should do the trick.