Best Soil for Monstera

The Monstera or also known as the Swiss cheese plant are in fashion, perhaps because its leaves transport us to the jungle or simply for its beauty. In this article, we will tell you all about the best soil for Monstera and also how to take care of them correctly.

Table of Contents

Monstera or Swiss Cheese Plant

Monstera was a very common plant on terraces and patios in the 80s. My mothers grew at ease in the patio: it received a lot of indirect light and watering was controlled because it was under a canopy that prevented it from getting wet if it rained. With this, you already have two good clues about the light and watering needs of this plant. But let’s go step by step:

Light

Monstera love light, but not the sun’s rays. They are ideal for any luminous room or for that corner of the terrace where the sun does not shine all day long.

They are plants that appreciate warm temperatures and a humid environment. In warm climate zones, they can be cultivated outdoors all year round, as they can withstand minimum temperatures of up to 41 °F (5ºC). In colder areas, they are usually cultivated as indoor plants.

Soil for Monstera

The most important thing about the substrate is that it has good drainage. For it, we can mix a universal substrate with some perlite, which will avoid that the roots remain waterlogged. You can repot it to a bigger pot every two years, renewing part of the substrate and eliminating dead roots.

Monstera deliciosa is a plant that grows very tall, and its leaves can reach 12″-16″ (30-40 cm) wide. If you grow it indoors and have space problems, do not repot it immediately into a larger pot. The more space it has to develop, the more it will grow. Learn more about how and when to repot Monstera.

Watering the Soil of Monstera

It is an undemanding plant in watering, although the frequency of watering will depend (as always) on the temperature and the size of the pot in which you are growing it. In small pots, it will need 1 or 2 weekly watering during the summer, and one every 10–15 days during the winter. Make sure that the substrate is dry before watering again, using a moisture meter or inserting the index in the soil.

In very dry environments, Monstera appreciates regular sprays during the summer or a good shower in the bathtub from time to time. Take advantage of this time to clean their precious leaves.

Fertilizing Monstera

It is recommended to fertilize it every 15 days with a specific fertilizer for green plants (Order it here). You can use a liquid one or one in the sticks. These are stuck in the substrate and dissolve little by little, providing the plant with all the nutrients it needs.

During the winter it is usual to suspend the pattern of fertilization, which will be resumed in spring.

What Soil pH is Best for Monstera Plants?

Monstera likes slightly acid soil. To be exact the ideal pH for Monstera is between 5.5 and 6.5. You should check the pH of your Monstera with a soil pH meter (Order it here), this way you will know if you have the best soil for Monstera. Learn more about how to measure soil pH.

We have had several Monsteras at home for years, and we have tried both homemade and commercial substrates with both, we have had excellent results, so here are the best soil for Monstera.

Recipe 1:

1/2-part potting mix (Order it here).

1/2-part coconut fiber (Order it here).

A handful of perlites, for aeration.

Recipe 2:

Take 2 parts potting mix (Order it here).

Mix 1 part perlite or pumice into the mix.

But if you do not want to prepare the soil for Monstera yourself, you should buy ready-to-use mixes, these are in our opinion in The Garden Style the best soils for Monstera.