Monstera plants are the stars of the houseplant world.
Their bold, split leaves and jungle vibe make them an eye-catching addition to any room.
But here’s the thing—no matter how much light you give them or how carefully you water, they won’t truly thrive without the right soil beneath their roots.
Soil is more than just a place to sit.
It’s where your Monstera breathes, drinks, feeds, and grows.
Get the soil wrong, and even the healthiest plant can start to struggle.
Get it right, and your Monstera will explode with growth, pushing out new leaves like it’s on a mission.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what kind of soil Monsteras love, why it matters, and how you can mix up the perfect blend at home.
Let’s dig in—your Monstera will thank you.
What Makes Soil “Good” for a Monstera?
Before we mix anything, we need to understand what Monstera roots want.
In the wild, Monsteras grow in tropical rainforests.
They don’t grow in thick, heavy dirt.
Instead, they climb trees, stretch out their aerial roots, and anchor themselves in loose, organic matter like fallen leaves, moss, bark, and chunks of rotting wood.
That means the perfect Monstera soil mix should be loose and airy so roots can breathe.
It needs to be well-draining so water doesn’t sit around and cause rot.
At the same time, it must hold onto just enough moisture so it doesn’t dry out too fast.
And lastly, it needs to be rich in nutrients to support big, bold growth.
Most standard potting soils just don’t check all these boxes.
They can be too dense or too soggy.
That’s why creating your own Monstera-friendly mix is the best way to go.
Why Regular Potting Soil Just Isn’t Enough
Grab a bag of regular potting soil, and what you’ll find inside is usually a blend of peat moss, compost, and maybe some sand or perlite.
It’s fine for many houseplants, but Monsteras are a bit pickier.
Regular potting soil holds onto too much moisture.
It can compact over time, leaving the roots feeling smothered.
And when roots don’t get enough air, they’re more likely to rot or stop growing.
If your Monstera is sitting in soggy soil, it can look sad even if you’re watering properly.
Leaves might droop, yellow, or stop splitting.
That’s because the roots are struggling under the surface.
The solution is to add structure and drainage to your soil.
Think of it like fluffing up a pancake batter so it cooks evenly—your Monstera roots need that same balance.
The Dream Team: What to Put in Your Monstera Soil Mix
So, what’s the magic formula?
A great Monstera mix includes a base of high-quality potting soil.
This is your starting point.
It provides nutrients and moisture, but on its own, it’s too dense.
Next, you’ll want to add perlite.
This boosts drainage and keeps the mix from getting compacted.
Orchid bark gives your soil structure and airflow.
It mimics the kind of organic debris Monsteras grow in naturally.
Coconut coir or peat moss helps manage moisture.
It holds just the right amount of water without turning the soil into a swamp.
And finally, worm castings or compost provide a slow and steady nutrient boost.
Together, these ingredients create the perfect balance of drainage, moisture retention, and nutrition.
No more root rot.
No more heavy soil.
Just strong, happy roots—and thriving growth above the surface.
Easy Recipe: DIY Monstera Soil Mix You Can Make at Home
Ready to mix up your own Monstera soil?
Here’s a simple formula you can use without measuring cups or fancy tools.
Use two parts of potting soil as your base.
Add one part each of perlite, orchid bark, and coconut coir or peat moss.
Then sprinkle in a little worm castings or compost—about half as much as your other ingredients.
Mix everything together in a large bowl or container until it feels loose and airy.
The final texture should be chunky, not muddy or clumpy.
If the mix feels too heavy, add a little more perlite or bark.
This DIY mix works well for potted Monsteras of all sizes and gives you full control over the health of the root zone.
Don’t Forget the Pot—It Matters Too
You’ve got the perfect soil mix.
Now it needs a proper home.
The pot you choose plays a big role in how well your soil works.
Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Even the best soil can’t save your Monstera if water gets trapped at the bottom.
Terracotta pots are great for airflow because they’re porous.
They also help wick moisture away from the soil, which prevents overwatering.
Plastic pots hold in moisture longer.
That might be helpful in dry climates but risky if your home is already humid.
If you love the look of decorative pots that don’t have drainage, just slip a nursery pot inside and take it out when watering.
Let the water drain fully before placing it back.
Your soil can only perform well if your pot allows it to breathe.
Together, a good pot and great soil make the perfect team.
Signs Your Soil Isn’t Working (And What to Do About It)
Sometimes, even with good care, your Monstera starts showing signs that something is off.
That “something” might just be the soil.
If water sits on top for too long before soaking in, your soil may be compacted.
If leaves are drooping or turning yellow despite proper watering, your mix might be too soggy.
A musty smell or the presence of fungus gnats can also point to overly wet, unhealthy soil.
If roots are growing out of the drainage holes or circling the pot, they’re looking for more space.
When you spot these signs, it may be time to repot.
Gently remove your Monstera and shake off the old soil.
Inspect the roots.
Trim any that are brown, mushy, or unhealthy.
Then repot using fresh, chunky mix and a clean pot.
Your plant may look a bit shocked at first, but with better soil, it will recover quickly and start growing again.
How Often Should You Change Monstera Soil?
Even the best soil mix won’t last forever.
Over time, organic materials break down and compact.
That changes the texture of the mix and affects how it drains.
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to refresh your Monstera’s soil every one to two years.
If your plant is growing fast or the pot feels cramped, repot sooner.
If the plant is stable and the soil still looks good, you can hold off longer.
Top-dressing is another option.
You remove the top inch or two of soil and replace it with fresh mix.
This keeps the nutrients flowing without disturbing the roots.
Changing the soil keeps your Monstera’s root system healthy and prevents problems before they start.
Can You Use Pre-Made Soil Mixes?
Yes—you don’t have to be a mad scientist to grow a happy Monstera.
There are several pre-made mixes on the market that work well.
Look for mixes labeled for tropicals, aroids, or indoor plants.
The best ones will contain a mix of potting soil, perlite, bark, and possibly coco coir.
If you can’t find the perfect bagged mix, start with a basic one and add in extra perlite and bark.
That gives you a boost in drainage and structure without starting from scratch.
Pre-made mixes are a great option for beginners, people short on time, or those who don’t want to buy separate ingredients.
Just read the label, feel the texture, and adjust if needed.
Even a store-bought mix can be upgraded with a few handfuls of the good stuff.
Do Monsteras Need Fertilizer If the Soil Is Good?
Great soil gives your plant a strong start.
But over time, even the best mix will run low on nutrients.
That’s where fertilizer comes in.
Monsteras are active growers and need extra food during their growing season.
A balanced liquid fertilizer works well—especially formulas made for foliage plants.
Feed your Monstera once a month during spring and summer.
Cut back in the fall and winter when the plant slows down.
If you included worm castings or compost in your soil mix, you might not need to fertilize right away.
These ingredients release nutrients slowly over time.
Still, it’s smart to monitor your plant’s growth.
If new leaves are smaller or pale, that’s a sign it’s time to feed.
Think of fertilizer as a booster—your soil does the heavy lifting, and the fertilizer keeps it going strong.
Final Thoughts
Soil is the foundation of every thriving Monstera.
It controls how your plant drinks, eats, breathes, and grows.
Get it right, and your Monstera will reward you with giant leaves and rapid growth.
Start with a chunky, well-draining base.
Mix in ingredients that hold moisture but don’t trap water.
Add nutrients that support strong, healthy roots.
And don’t forget the pot—drainage is just as important as what’s inside.
Whether you mix your own or tweak a store-bought blend, the key is to create a soil environment that mimics what Monsteras love in the wild.
Loose.
Airy.
Rich.
When you give your Monstera the right mix, you’ll see the difference—leaf by leaf, root by root.
Because in the end, happy soil means a happy plant.