What To Put In Monstera Soil

What to put in monstera soil is a mix that’s airy, well-draining, and rich in organic matter.
 
The best monstera soil mimics the loose, chunky forest floor where these plants naturally climb in the wild.
 
If you’ve ever wondered what to put in monstera soil to prevent root rot or encourage huge, fenestrated leaves, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what to put in monstera soil, the ideal ratios, and a few easy DIY recipes you can whip up at home.
 
Let’s dig in.

What To Put In Monstera Soil: The Core Ingredients

When you’re asking what to put in monstera soil, the answer always starts with aeration and drainage.
 
Monsteras are epiphytes, meaning their roots love oxygen and hate sitting in soggy, compacted dirt.
 
So, what to put in monstera soil comes down to three main categories: a chunky base, a moisture-retentive element, and a nutrient-rich component.
 
Here’s a closer look at each one.

1. Orchid Bark for Chunkiness

Orchid bark is a non-negotiable when figuring out what to put in monstera soil.
 
This chunky ingredient creates air pockets that let oxygen reach the roots—exactly what monstera roots crave.
 
It also prevents the soil from compacting over time, which is a common killer of indoor monsteras.
 
You can use pine bark, fir bark, or a pre-made orchid mix, and you’ll want pieces about ½ inch to 1 inch in size.

2. Perlite or Pumice for Drainage

Perlite is another staple when deciding what to put in monstera soil.
 
Those little white volcanic rocks look odd, but they’re genius at draining excess water away from the roots.
 
Pumice works even better because it doesn’t float to the top of the pot like perlite tends to do.
 
Either one will keep your monstera soil light and fluffy, so water flows through instead of pooling.

3. Coco Coir or Peat Moss for Moisture

While drainage is key, you still need something that holds a bit of water so your plant doesn’t dry out instantly.
 
Coco coir is my top pick for what to put in monstera soil because it’s sustainable and has a neutral pH.
 
Peat moss works too, but it can get hydrophobic when it dries out completely.
 
Both these ingredients retain just enough moisture between waterings while still letting excess escape.

4. Worm Castings or Compost for Nutrition

To keep your monstera fed, you need a nutrient source in your monstera soil mix.
 
Worm castings are perfect because they’re gentle, slow-release, and packed with beneficial microbes.
 
Compost works as well, but make sure it’s fully broken down so it doesn’t burn the roots.
 
Adding these to your soil means you won’t need to fertilize as often, and your plant will thank you with lush growth.

5. Activated Charcoal (Optional but Great)

If you’re wondering what to put in monstera soil to keep it fresh, activated charcoal is your friend.
 
It helps absorb excess moisture, prevent mold, and even neutralize odors in the pot.
 
It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a great addition if you tend to overwater.

Simple Monstera Soil Recipes You Can Mix Today

Now that you know what to put in monstera soil, let’s talk ratios.
 
You don’t need to be a scientist to mix perfect soil, just aim for a blend that’s about 50% chunky, 30% moisture-retentive, and 20% nutrient-rich.
 
Here are three foolproof recipes to get you started.

Recipe 1: The Classic Chunky Mix

This is the most common answer to what to put in monstera soil, and it works for almost any monstera variety.
 
Mix 2 parts orchid bark, 1 part perlite, 1 part coco coir, and ½ part worm castings.
 
Stir it all together in a big bucket, and you’re ready to pot.
 
This blend gives you the perfect balance of aeration, drainage, and moisture retention.

Recipe 2: The Budget-Friendly Potting Mix

If you don’t have every ingredient on hand, you can still make great monstera soil with what you have.
 
Take a regular houseplant potting soil and mix in about 30% orchid bark and 20% perlite.
 
Then add a handful of worm castings if you have them, but it’s okay if you skip it.
 
This is a solid answer to what to put in monstera soil when you want to keep things simple.

Recipe 3: The No-Soil Semi-Hydroponic Mix

For advanced growers, you might be wondering what to put in monstera soil that’s completely soil-free.
 
Use a mix of 50% perlite and 50% orchid bark with a wicking system.
 
This allows constant moisture without the risk of root rot, and it’s a fun experiment for monsteras.
 
Just know you’ll need to use a liquid fertilizer regularly since there’s no compost in this mix.

Signs Your Monstera Soil Is Wrong

Even if you know what to put in monstera soil, things can still go wrong if the balance is off.
 
Here are the most common signs that your soil needs a fix.

Yellowing Leaves Mean Overwatering

If your monstera leaves turn yellow, it’s usually because the soil is holding too much water.
 
This happens when your what to put in monstera soil answer was too heavy on coco coir or peat moss.
 
Repot with more orchid bark and perlite to let the roots breathe.

Brown, Crispy Edges Mean Underwatering

On the flip side, crispy brown edges can mean your soil dries out too fast.
 
If your mix has too much perlite and bark, water may run straight through.
 
Add more coco coir to your monstera soil to hold onto moisture a bit longer.

Root Rot Smells Like Sour Milk

A foul, sour smell from the pot is a dead giveaway for root rot.
 
This usually means your what to put in monstera soil ratio leaned too heavily on moisture.
 
Repot immediately, trim any mushy roots, and switch to a chunkier mix with extra charcoal.

So, What To Put In Monstera Soil?

What to put in monstera soil is really about matching the plant’s natural habitat.
 
You want a chunky, airy mix that drains fast but still holds some moisture and nutrients.
 
The core answer to what to put in monstera soil is orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and worm castings.
 
Use the recipes above to make your own blend, and adjust based on your home’s humidity and watering habits.
 
With the right monstera soil, your plant will thrive, push out bigger leaves, and stay healthy for years.
 
Happy planting!