Monstera deliciosa, or “Swiss cheese plant,” is a popular houseplant loved for its big, shiny leaves with distinctive holes and splits. Although not technically an orchid, monsteras do well in potting mix that drains well, like that used for orchids. Using orchid potting mix helps give monsteras the air they need for healthy root growth.
Why Use Orchid Mix for Monstera?
Orchid potting mixes are made up of mostly bark chunks, sphagnum moss, perlite, charcoal, and other porous materials. They are light and airy. This lets a lot of air flow around the roots, which keeps them from getting too wet.
Monsteras are epiphytes in their natural habitat, growing on trees and rocks instead of soil. Their roots need to dry out quickly between waterings. Dense, moisture-retentive potting soil will lead to root rot and other problems.
While you can find premixed blends marketed specifically for aroids like monstera, an orchid potting mix works very well and is easy to find. The key is providing exceptional drainage and aeration.
Mixing Your Own Orchid Potting Mix
You can buy ready-made orchid mixes, but it’s also simple to make your own by combining these ingredients
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Fir bark – This forms the bulk of the mix. Different sizes provide airflow pockets. Aim for 30-50% fir bark.
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Perlite or pumice – Helps lighten the mix Use 10-20%
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Peat or coco coir – Helps retain a little moisture. 10-20% is ideal.
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Horticultural charcoal – Purifies and absorbs excess moisture. Add around 5%.
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Moss – Optional for moisture retention. Use sparingly.
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly before potting your monstera. Test the drainage by watering a sample of the mix in a cup. It should drain freely and not remain soggy.
Potting Tips for Monstera
When repotting into orchid mix, follow these tips:
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Select a pot with drainage holes and use an orchid pot if possible. Clay or plastic both work.
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Place a little mix in the bottom then position the roots. Spread them out.
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Fill the pot, gently firming the mix around the roots. Leave 1-2 inches below the rim.
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Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the bottom.
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Allow the plant to establish for a week before fertilizing.
Caring for Monstera in Orchid Mix
Watering – Allow the mix to dry out moderately between waterings. Test with your finger and water when the top few inches feel dry.
Light – Monsteras like bright, indirect light. An east or west window is ideal. Rotate periodically.
Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 strength every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.
Humidity – Mist leaves occasionally and use a pebble tray for added humidity.
Repotting – Repot when rootbound, likely every 2-3 years. Select a slightly larger pot.
Signs Your Monstera Needs Repotting
Here are signs it’s time to move your monstera into a larger pot with fresh orchid potting mix:
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Roots are crowding the pot or emerging from the drainage holes
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You need to water much more frequently
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Growth has slowed down
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Leaves are smaller than usual
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Plant is top heavy or tippy in the pot
Key Takeaways
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Orchid mix offers the quick drainage monsteras need to prevent root rot.
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Make your own mix by combining fir bark, perlite, charcoal, peat moss and/or coco coir.
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Select an orchid pot or well-draining container and allow space for growth.
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Water thoroughly but let the mix dry out before soaking again.
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Provide bright, indirect light and humidity. Fertilize regularly.
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Repot when rootbound into fresh orchid mix for continued healthy growth.
An airy orchid potting mix is the best growing medium for monstera houseplants. Recreating the well-draining environment they’re adapted to in nature helps keep their roots healthy and promotes lush, vibrant growth. With the proper care, your monstera will flourish for many years in an orchid potting mix.
 says the top two inches are dry. </p>
<h3>What are the best ingredients for monstera potting mix? (Image credit: Solnuha via Getty Images)</h3>
<p>If youve already started to research making your own potting mix for your indoor plants, you might be aware there is a whole range of things you can include – from coffee grounds for plants to peat moss. </p>
<p>When it comes to the perfect monstera potting mix, experts say to focus on a few ingredients in particular. </p>
<p>Monstera plants thrive in substrates that are moderately moist, well-draining and porous, notes <a href=)
To ensure your monstera has plenty of drainage, opt for things like sand, perlite and even leaf mold. Perlite helps with drainage and keeps the mix from compacting too much. You want water to flow through easily, explains Marek Bowers, gardening expert and founder of Bolder Green.
Other options include orchid bark to add chunkiness to the mix, keeping it aerated. Alternatively, you can use peat moss or coconut coir. This retains some moisture but still drains well. I prefer coconut coir because it’s more sustainable, but either works, notes Marek.
Alongside good drainage, when repotting your monstera with a homemade potting mix, you need to consider materials rich in the right nutrients for you plant.
Monstera plants need macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, explains Nastya. However, since they rarely bloom or bear fruit indoors, they require less phosphorus and potassium and more nitrogen, which supports the growth of healthy green leaves, she adds.
Ingredients like coffee grounds and kitchen scraps are rich in nitrogen, making them popular compost materials. However, monsteras reliance on nutrients means its soil can be depleted of nutrients quickly. Its therefore best to fertilize your monstera during its active growth season to top up nitrogen levels – like with this monstera plant food from Amazon.
Nastya Vasylchyshyna is a professional botany expert who works for the Plantum app, which helps people find plants and plant diseases and advice on how to take care of them. For four years she has consulted on botany-related topics for Plantum. Her specialization is plant morphology, phytopathology, and plant physiology.
Marek is a sustainable landscaper and an expert on California and Colorado low-water rebates. Mareks website, Bolder Green, is a guide to eco-friendly gardening. Through his articles on drought-tolerant landscaping and xeriscaping, readers will learn how to design stunning gardens that conserve water and support wildlife, all while adding beauty to their outdoor spaces.
This + your favorite potting soil = easy chunky soil mix #monstera #plants #soil #houseplants
FAQ
What is the best potting soil for monstera plants?
You don’t need anything super fancy or niche for your monstera! According to The Sill’s plant expert Paris Lalicata, in general, any standard potting mix that’s well-draining will work. She says, “You can also add bark or perlite to regular potting mix to give the roots more air flow.” ”.
Do monsteras like orchid potting mix?
Orchid mixes: These usually have bark, perlite, and charcoal in them. You can mix them with regular potting soil to make a special mix for Monsteras. Apr 13, 2025.
Can you plant a monstera in orchid mix?
To grow a monstera, you can use orchid bark or mix as part of the mix. You’ll also need to add perlite, coconut coir, or potting mix.