What Soil pH Does Monstera Like? Secrets to Success

Do you…

find yourself wondering what soil pH does monstera like? Do you need some secrets to create the perfect soil blend to keep your tropical plant surviving and thriving? Here is a great guide to secrets to success in creating the perfect soil blend and finding the right pH level for your tropical beauty!

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What Soil pH Does Monstera Like?

Let’s cut to the chase! Monstera prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. This pH range will give your tropical plant the energy and environment needed to absorb essential nutrients. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are vital for tropical plants for healthy new growth. If your soil pH is outside of this 5.5 to 7.0 range it will leave your plant with an insufficient amount of these nutrients. This will lead to stunted or slow growth, yellowing leaves, or other plant health issues.

This pH range will provide your plant roots with beneficial microorganisms for development. These microorganisms will help break down the organic matter and improve access to the nutrients in the soil.

“Additionally, this will give your plant better-growing conditions for further growth.”

If you’re new to growing indoor tropical plants you will soon realize soil pH is important. You should check your soil pH every few weeks to make sure it is stable. Soil pH testing kits are a really easy way to test your pH. The right soil pH range is one of the biggest secrets to growing a dense lush tropical plant!

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Is pH Important?

Soil pH range is crucial to your plant’s health and future development. This is because it will dictate how much your plant will absorb nutrients. When your soil pH is 5.5 to 7.0, essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are easily available. If your pH level fluctuates too far from the ideal range, any nutrients in the soil will be more difficult for your plant to absorb.

“This will lead to a wilted yellowing plant. This is due to the lack of nutrients your plant can partake in.”

acidic and alkaline soil

If your soil is more in the acidic range (a pH that is below 5.5), your Monstera plant will suffer from aluminum or manganese toxicity. This can lead to the roots being damaged and cause your leaves to be discolored. Additionally, if your soil is more alkaline (a pH above 7.0), nutrients like iron and magnesium will become less available. This will then lead to chlorosis which is when your leaves will turn yellow due to the lack of chlorophyll your plant can absorb.

However, when you take the time to create the right soil pH it will support your Monstera with a healthy microbial ecosystem. Microbial ecosystems break down the organic matter in the soil releasing the nutrients that your Monstera roots need to absorb.

“Without these microbes in your soil, the nutrients will slow down, and your plant’s growth will stop.”

Additionally maintaining the correct soil pH for your tropical plants will make sure that your Monstera will have access to everything it needs in order to develop the lush, dense foliage everyone loves! It will also help with vigorous growth. By regularly testing and adjusting your pH level, you help your plant have access to all the essential nutrients and keep the perfect growing conditions.

Ideal Soil pH Range: What Soil pH Does Monstera Like Best?

The pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 will help make the essential nutrients available for your Monstera. This pH range also helps support healthy root growth and a balanced microbial ecosystem.

“These are both critical for your tropical plant’s overall health.”

Why This PH Range:

Nutrition Availability: A pH range below 5.5 for tropical plants can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, this can include toxicity from the elements like aluminum. A pH range above 7.0 can in fact reduce any access to nutrients like iron and magnesium. This will cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
Microbial Activity: Your plant needs access to beneficial soil microbes. This is when the organic matter in your soil is broken down which helps in releasing nutrients necessary for your plant.
Root Health: A balanced pH level will prevent any root stress which will help your Monstera grow strong and absorb water efficiently.

To maintain the right soil pH range you want to use a reliable soil test kit. If the result is that your pH is too low, you can help adjust this by adding garden lime to your soil. If it’s too high, add organic materials like peat moss or sulfur to the soil to lower it.

“With the right soil pH, your Monstera will develop new lush, vibrant foliage!”

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Testing

Part of a tropical plant care routine involves regularly testing your soil pH. Make sure the soil has the nutrients needed so your Monstera can thrive in the right conditions.

Here’s how you can determine the pH of your Monstera’s soil:

Select the Right Testing Tool

Soil pH Testing Kit: These are at-home soil kits that are easy to use for accurate results.
Digital pH Meter: If you want to test more frequently these are precise digital meters that tell you your soil pH
DIY Methods: You can use common household items like vinegar and baking soda for an estimated reading however it’s best to use a kit or meter like above for more accurate results. Add your soil to two separate containers.
- In the first container, pour some vinegar over the soil. If it fizzes it means it’s alkaline soil.
- In the second container, add some baking soda solution. If it fizzes it means it’s acidic soil.

Prepare a Soil Sample

Grab some soil around your Monstera’s roots, usually about 2–3 inches deep.
Remove debris like leaves, stones, or stems from the sample to get an accurate result.
Put your soil sample in a clean container or a testing tray.

the Test

Using a Kit or Meter: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package when testing. This usually means mixing your soil with water and inserting the probe or test strip in the tube provided in the kit.
- Or use the DIY method above with vinegar and baking soda.

the Results

For your tropical Monstera, the ideal soil pH range you want to stay in is 5.5 to 7.0.

“If your pH is higher or lower than this range, you might want to think about adjusting your soil with some additives like lime for acidity or sulfur for alkalinity.”

By regularly testing your soil pH you can be more confident that you are giving your Monstera’s soil the nutrients and conditions it needs in order to promote healthy growth and that vibrant foliage!

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like? Secrets to Success

Inaccurate Soil pH: What Soil pH Does Monstera Like

The pH level of your soil is so important because it allows your Monstera to absorb the nutrients it needs. If your soil pH is outside of this 5.5 to 7.0 range, your tropical plant can deal with many health issues.

These include:

Nutrient Deficiency

Acidic Soil (a pH that is below 5.5)
- Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium are nutrients that will start to become less available in the soil which will lead to stunted or slowed growth. In addition, it will cause pale leaves or leaf browning.
Alkaline Soil (a pH that is above 7.0)
- Iron, manganese, and zinc will disappear from your soil leading to yellowing leaves (chlorosis) and weak root development.

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Growth Issues

Too high or low pH levels will disrupt your Monstera’s root’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This will result in slower or no growth at all.

“The roots can weaken or get damaged which will further affect your plant’s overall health and growth.”

Pests and Diseases

Stress on a plant can easily lead to many health factors including being more vulnerable to pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Trust me those are not fun to deal with!
Having poor soil conditions can also lead to root rot and fungal infections. These are usually paired together due to overwatering.

Unhealthy leaves and Stems

Not having the right pH range will lead to leaf discoloration, curling, or dropping.

“Your Monstera’s stems will become weak which will make it harder for your plant to support its large, healthy leaves and will lack those iconic splits and holes.”

Poor Foliage Development

The Monstera needs the proper nutrients to develop those iconic splits and holes. Without the right pH level, it will grow smaller solid leaves that lack splits and the overall beauty of this tropical plant.

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Secrets to Success for Your Monstera

If your soil pH falls out of the 5.5 to 7.0 range it’s important to alter it back into the ideal range for proper nutrient absorption.

Here’s a quick how-to guide.

Lowering Soil pH for Alkaline Soil

If your soil pH is higher, you might notice that your Monstera struggles to absorb nutrients like iron and manganese.

Here’s how to lower it:

Adding Sulfur

You can mix elemental sulfur into your soil slowly over time to decrease the pH level. This works well but it’s best to do it slowly over the course of a few weeks or months.

Peat Moss

Adding peat moss to your soil mix will help naturally lower the pH and improve soil texture and moisture retention.

Acidifying Fertilizers

Use fertilizers labeled as acidifying. Things like ammonium sulfate or urea-based products will feed your plant but also help lower the pH level.

Raising Soil pH for Acidic Soil

If you find that your soil is on the acidic side you will find that nutrients like calcium and phosphorus are not unavailable for your plant.

Here’s how to adjust it:

Garden Lime

Adding agricultural lime to your soil is a quick and effective way to increase the pH. Dolomitic lime also works as it adds magnesium which will benefit your Monstera’s growth.

Wood Ash

If you have wood ash on hand you can sprinkle a small amount onto your soil to raise the pH. In addition, this will also add potassium which is vital for resisting diseases and overall health.

“However, monitor how much you use as too much can harm your plant. A little here goes a long way!“

Crushed Eggshells

If you have been in the world of gardening you will have heard the wonders that eggshells do! Add some crushed eggshells into your soil. Egg shells do wonders in slowly increasing the soil pH while at the same time providing calcium for your plant.

How to Make Adjustments Safely

Test First: Use a soil pH test kit or meter to determine the current pH level so you know if and how you need to adjust it.
Gradual Adjustments: Making small changes over a few weeks will help avoid plant shock.
Mixing: Whenever you add soil amendments you want to mix them well so your plant gets an even distribution.
Retesting: After you have adjusted your soil, wait a few weeks and then test again. This will help monitor the soil’s progress and will help monitor if you are in that 5.5 to 7.0 pH range.

By testing and adjusting your soil pH you will give your Monstera the ideal growing conditions that help provide the nutrients needed for dense growth. Soil health is a powerful secret to cultivating healthy tropical plants. Vibrant leaves and healthy roots will start to overtake your indoor jungle!

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: The Right Soil

I love creating the perfect soil mix for my Monsteras! I grab a cup of coffee and spend the morning mixing and replanting my plants! So relaxing! Creating the right soil mix is important in maintaining pH levels. Giving your

“Monstera a well-balanced mix will not only provide proper pH levels but in fact will also provide aeration, drainage, and the nutrients needed.”

Here’s what to look for:

Monstera-Friendly Soil Mix

Peat Moss and Coconut Coir: Peat moss and coconut coir will help with retaining the right level of moisture in the soil. In addition, they will maintain a slightly acidic pH level for your plant.
- Peat moss is a naturally acidic material, while coconut coir is more neutral which helps in balancing out the soil.
Perlite: This material helps improve the drainage and aeration of the soil. In addition, it prevents the roots from rotting.
- Does not affect soil pH, making it a neutral addition.
Orchid Bark: Texture is added when adding orchid bark and will encourage good airflow around the roots.
- It is slightly acidic which helps in supporting a healthy pH level.
Potting Mix: Mixing a high-quality potting mix into the soil blend will be a great base for your plant. It helps in combining the other ingredients resulting in a well-balanced blend.
- Choose a high-quality chemical-free soil mix. In addition, I would not use regular garden soil as it can be too dense for the roots of tropical plants leading to a lack of nutrient absorption.

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Pre-Mixed Soils

If you are a beginner or don’t have time to mix your own soil blend you can look for potting soil blends specifically labeled for tropical or aroid plants.

These include:

A balance of organic material and drainage materials.
pH levels within 5.5 to 7.0 for Monstera plants.

Tips for Maintaining Soil pH

Monitoring pH Levels

Using a soil pH test kit regularly will help your mix stay in that pH range.

Overwatering

Avoid overwatering your plant. Excessive watering will change your pH level as it washes away the nutrients and organic matter in the soil.

Fertilize Wisely

Using fertilizers specifically designed for Monstera plants is a great addition to a healthy soil pH. They are specifically designed to complement your soil needs without changing the pH levels.

By creating or buying the right soil mix you can have a properly maintained base for your Monstera to not only survive in but thrive in!

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Common Mistakes

When it comes to maintaining or adjusting the soil pH there are some common mistakes I have gone through that you want to avoid!

These include:

Avoid Using Unsuitable Soil Mixes

Mistake: Using garden soil or heavy clay mixes instead of a high-quality potting mix.
Problem: These types of soil bases will have poor drainage. In addition, they can also easily adjust the soil pH to be outside the range of 5.5–7.0.
- Solution: Always use a high-quality well-draining potting mix that is Monstera-friendly.

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like: Over-Fertilizing

Mistake: Giving your plant too much chemical fertilizer without checking the pH level.
Problem: Fertilizing too much can cause your soil to become overly acidic or alkaline and will reduce the amount of nutrients your plant can absorb.
- Solution: Always go for a well-balanced, tropical plant fertilizer and follow the instructions.

Skipping Regular pH Testing

Mistake: Guessing that your soil’s pH is fine or that it will stay consistent.
Problem: When we water, fertilize, and add things to the soil it can break down over time and change the pH levels.
- Solution: Test your soil pH every few months. This will help with keeping a consistent range for your plant’s roots which will help in overall health and growth.

Adding Too Much Lime or Sulfur

Mistake: It’s true that too much of a good thing makes it bad! Adding too much lime or sulfur into your soil will change the pH level.
Problem: Drastic changes in your pH levels can stress out your plant which causes damage to the roots.
- Solution: Adjusting your soil pH slowly over time will help your plant adjust without any side effects.

By avoiding these mistakes I made when I first started you can keep your soil pH in balance for dense tropical growth!

FAQ: What Soil pH Does Monstera Like?

Do monsteras like acidic or alkaline soil?

Monstera plants can grow in soil that has a pH range between 5.0 and 70. They can survive in more acidic soil however this does not mean they do their best in it.

What is the optimal pH for Monstera?

Monsteras like a soil pH range of 5.5-7.0. Any standard potting mix should do well. It’s best if you add in other materials like bark, perlite, peat moss, and coconut coir to add extra drainage and nutrients.

How do I make Monstera soil more acidic?

Adding materials that are acidic like sulfur or aluminum sulfate can make your soil more acidic.

What Soil pH Does Monstera Like?

A high-quality potting soil mixed with equal parts peat moss, coconut coir, orchid bark, and perlite. This blend will give proper drainage while at the same time adding extra nutrients. Make sure you have drainage holes at the bottom of your container and avoid using compost in your soil as this makes it too dense for the roots to absorb nutrients.

Do Monstera like coffee grounds?

Houseplants that prefer acid soil will benefit more from coffee ground use. These types include the African violet, croton, gloxinia, monstera, peperomia, and philodendron. However, fresh coffee grounds are too acidic and can burn a Monstera’s roots. Make sure to use only composted coffee grounds instead of fresh ones.