Monstera Repotting Guide: When, How, and What Soil to Use

That's a fantastic topic! Repotting your Monstera is a key part of its care. Here is a comprehensive guide on when, how, and what soil to use for repotting your Monstera.

📅 When to Repot Your Monstera

The best time to repot is during the active growing season, which is typically early spring or summer.¹ Repotting outside of this period (like in winter) can cause unnecessary stress when the plant is dormant.²

Signs Your Monstera Needs Repotting:

Repotting is generally needed every 1 to 3 years, depending on the plant's growth rate.³ Look for these clear signs:

• Roots through the Drainage Holes: This is the most obvious sign that the plant has become root-bound and needs more space.⁴

• Roots Circling the Soil Surface: If you see a dense mass of roots growing on top of the soil, the pot is too small.

• Soil Dries Out Very Quickly: If you find yourself watering much more frequently because the soil can't hold moisture, the pot is filled with more roots than soil.

• Stunted Growth or Dull Appearance: If the plant's growth has slowed significantly despite good conditions, it may have exhausted the nutrients in the old soil.

• Cracked Container: Extreme root pressure can sometimes crack a plastic pot.

  
  

🪴 What Pot and Soil to Use

Choosing the Right Pot

• Size: Choose a new pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Using a pot that is too large can hold excess water, increasing the risk of root rot because the roots can't absorb all the moisture quickly enough.⁵

  
  

• Drainage: The pot must have drainage holes.⁶ Terracotta pots are often recommended because they are porous and allow the soil to breathe, helping to prevent wet feet.

  
  

Best Soil Mix (Aroid Mix)

Monstera plants are hemi-epiphytes (they grow on other trees in nature), so they need an airy, chunky, and fast-draining soil mix that mimics the forest floor. Avoid standard "moisture-control" potting mixes.⁷

You can buy a pre-made "Aroid Mix," or easily create your own:

Ingredient	Approximate Ratio	Purpose
Indoor Potting Soil (High Quality)	2 parts (or 40%)	Base, nutrients, and moisture retention.
Perlite or Pumice	1 part (or 20%)	Essential for aeration and fast drainage.
Orchid Bark/Coco Chips	1 part (or 25%)	Creates a chunky, airy structure to prevent compaction.
Coco Coir or Peat Moss	1 part (or 15%)	Helps retain some moisture without becoming soggy.

(A common beginner-friendly ratio is a simple 2:1:1 mix of Potting Soil, Perlite, and Orchid Bark/Coco Coir).⁸

🛠️ How to Repot Your Monstera

1. Prep Work:

   • Water First: Water your Monstera thoroughly a day or two before repotting.⁹ This helps the plant withstand stress and makes the root ball easier to handle.

     
     

   • Prepare the New Pot: Place a layer of your fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot.¹⁰ If you are adding a moss pole for support, this is the best time to anchor it firmly into the center of the pot.

     
     

   • Gather Tools: Have your new pot, soil, clean pruners/scissors, and a tarp or newspaper ready to minimize mess.¹¹

     
     

2. Remove the Plant:

   • Gently tip the old pot onto its side. You may need to squeeze the sides or tap the bottom to help loosen the plant.¹²

     
     

   • Grip the base of the plant (the stem, not the leaves) and carefully pull it out.¹³ If it's severely stuck, a knife or trowel run around the inner rim can help separate the roots from the pot wall.

     
     

3. Inspect and Loosen the Roots:

   • Gently massage the root ball to loosen the roots and knock off excess old soil.¹⁴ This encourages the roots to grow outward into the new space.¹⁵

     
     

   • If you see any mushy, dark, or foul-smelling roots (signs of root rot), use your sterilized shears to trim them back.¹⁶

     
     

   • Note: Do not worry about aerial roots; you can gently guide them into the new soil or towards a moss pole.¹⁷

     
     

4. Repot:

   • Place the Monstera in the center of the new pot.¹⁸ The top of the root ball should sit at the same level as it did in the old pot.¹⁹ Add or remove soil from the bottom layer until the height is correct.

     
     

   • Fill the space around the root ball with your fresh potting mix, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets.²⁰ Leave about an inch of space between the soil surface and the pot rim for watering.²¹

     
     

5. Post-Repotting Care:

   • Water thoroughly immediately after repotting until water flows freely from the drainage holes. This settles the soil around the roots.

   • Return the plant to its usual location to prevent transplant shock from changing environmental conditions.²²

     
     

   • Avoid Fertilizing for the next 4-6 weeks. The roots are fragile, and the fresh soil already contains nutrients.

Your Monstera may show signs of transplant shock (slight drooping) for a few days to a week, but with proper care, it should recover quickly and start putting out new growth.