Monstera are tropical plants that need the best drainage possible to grow well and avoid root rot. Monstera can develop black marks on their leaves if they are overwatered and their roots can be attacked by fungus. Choose a pot with at least 5 drainage holes, all-purpose potting soil and mix through perlite to allow for even better drainage.
This article will explore how to provide the best drainage for monstera to avoid overwatering and rot. This includes the best pots to choose, the best soil for monstera and the best way to water Monstera.
How to choose a pot for monstera plants
Choose a pot that allows monstera to drain well and avoid water sitting in the bottom of the pot for too long. Here are my easy tips for picking a great pot for the best monstera growth.
1. Choose a pot with at least 5 drainage holes
Plant monstera into a plain plastic pot with at least 5 drainage holes. Ideally these holes will be placed evenly around the base of the pot letting water drain from the sides and the bottom.
You can add additional holes with a small drill if there is only one in the bottom and center. This is usually not enough drainage for monstera as water can get caught in the corners of the pot.
2. Choose a plastic pot that fits inside a cachepot
The best way to grow monstera indoors is to place a plastic pot inside a cachepot. A cachepot is the outer pot that will not have drainage holes. It will catch any water that drips out the bottom of the plastic pot and will protect your furniture.
Make sure you check the bottom of the cachepot and tip out any water from the bottom of the pot. This will avoid the water sitting around the roots and causing fungal growth.
3. Let the pot drain before returning it to the pot tray or outer pot
After watering your monstera always allow the plant to drain thoroughly before returning to the cachepot or pot tray. This can take 10-15 minutes before all of the water has thoroughly drained out. This will avoid the soil re-absorbing all the extra water that drains from the pot.
Best soil for good monstera drainage
Choosing the best soil possible will make sure that the plant does not sit in water for too long. A soil that contains lots of organic matter and added perlite is perfect for monstera to allow them to drain well and grow fast.
1. Choose an all-purpose premium potting soil
Choose an all-purpose premium potting soil to plant or repot your monstera. You can choose an organic potting soil if you like but any premium potting soil will work well. This will contain lots of organic material, usually from broken down bark chips and compost.
2. Mix through perlite
Mix through up to ΒΌ of the mix with perlite. This baked mineral rock substance holds lots of water and air like puffed rice. It allows good drainage and air movement which is perfect for the roots of monstera.
How to water monstera
Water monstera when the top two inches of soil have dried out. Monstera like regular water but also hate to be overwatered. Allow monstera plants to dry out between watering.
The best way to water monstera is to take the inner pot out of the cachepot and place it in a sink or outside. Use a hose or tap to thoroughly water the surface of the soil until you see water drain from each of the 5 drainage holes.
You can bring the plant outside and spray the leaves at the same time. This will help to remove any dust that has settled on the leaf. This will allow the leaf to transpire or release water easier.
Do monstera need pots with drainage holes?
Monstera plants must be planted in pots with drainage holes. Plant them in a plastic pot that has at least 5 drainage holes around the outer edge of the pot. This will make sure all areas of the pot can drain well. If you are keeping your monstera plant indoors, place the pot inside an outer cachepot without drainage holes.
This cachepot will catch any drips and help to prevent water and marks on your furniture. Outdoor monstera plants can be grown in pots with drainage holes and placed straight onto gravel or the ground.
Do monstera need well-draining soil?
Monstera need well-draining soil to avoid overwatering, root rot and damage to the leaves. Well-draining soil will make sure the roots do not sit in water for too long and grow fungus.
Do monsteras like small pots?
Monstera will grow well in a small pot compared to the size of the leaf growth. I have left my monstera in the same pot I had bought it in for over a year and it is still growing well with new leaves every month. Monstera will still grow well I small pots if they are planted in good soil and are watered regularly.
Make sure you add slow release indoor plant food at the start of spring and fall. This will keep a monstera growing well in a small pot with a small amount of soil. For the most rapid growth possible, repot the monstera plant when you see roots coming from the bottom of the pot.
Drainage for Monstera | Summary
Monstera are a tropical plant that needs good drainage. Choose a pot with at least 5 drainage holes on the base of the pot and choose a premium, all-purpose potting soil. Mix through some perlite to improve drainage even more and keep your monstera growing strong.
Happy growing.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.