Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Cheese Plant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the tropical regions of Mexico on the southern side of Panama. This plant is commonly used as a houseplant in temperate zones.
If you want to grow a Monstera Plant in your home, you must choose the right pot. Choosing the best pot for Monstera is not as straightforward as you think, and growing them requires experience and knowledge.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are the Most Common Types of Pots for Monstera?
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The best pots for Monstera are made of glazed ceramic, plastic, and terracotta. While there are several other options, these are the most common ones.
Let’s discuss each pot type and weigh their pros and cons.
Plastic Pot
You can find plastic containers at garden centers and plant shops. Also known as a nursery pot, a plastic pot is perfectly adequate for the Monstera plant.
However, it lacks the aesthetic appeal that plant owners seek.
Pros
They are available in various colors, which makes it easier for them to match your living spaces.
They are adaptable and lightweight.
They can resist fractures, even if they are dropped.
They are affordable.
You can reuse a plastic pot.
Cons
They can’t draw away water, making them ideal for damp plants, but they can cause root rot in the Monstera plant.
Plastic pots are small in size, and they can’t provide protection against extreme temperatures. Dark-colored plastic pots can overheat your monstera plant.
Low-quality plastic pots are prone to UV damage, which makes them brittle, negatively affecting their durability.
Plastic pots are ideal for double potting. What is double potting? Let’s say you have a 3.5-inch pot with drainage holes. You can place it in a 4-inch pot. The outer pot will be known as the cache pot.
This method allows you to use the material of the inner plant while making it look aesthetically pleasing on the outside, thanks to the outer plant. The drainage holes will drain away the water into the outer plant while protecting your plant from root rot and fungal diseases.
The small pot can also be placed in a large bag, saving money that you could spend on a bigger pot while adding to the look of your living space.
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots are ideal for Monstera Plants. These pots are made from rusty red soil, which is fire-kilned into fine clay pots.
Terracotta or glazed terracotta pots can carry your Monstera plant indoors as well as outdoors.
Pros
Terracotta pots have a porous finish that allows moisture to seep through easily. They are perfect for roots near the walls. The water drains away quickly, and the soil dries for the next watering.
These pots have a thick coat that protects your plants against temperature fluctuations.
Terracotta pots are hefty, and therefore, they stay erect even when the wind blows.
They are affordable and recyclable.
Cons
They can fall when knocked, and they can be cracked by frost.
A white, yellowish crust forms on the surface, which is unappealing to the eyes.
Mold growth may occur on the outside of the container.
Disinfecting a terracotta pot takes time.
With a terracotta monstera pot, you can tell the moisture level by looking at the color of the pot. If you want outdoor monstera plants, a terracotta monstera pot will protect the roots against extreme temperatures, especially during the warm summer months.
Terracotta pots are perennial favorites for a lot of monstera owners since they prevent overwatering and allow the soil to dry quickly.
Furthermore, the yellowish coating can be easily scraped away. Lastly, if you see mold on your pot, apply hydrogen peroxide to get rid of it.
Glazed Ceramic Pots
These are clay pots that are non-porous and have a line of glaze on the surface. As a result, they can retain moisture, similar to plastic pots.
Pros
Glazed ceramic pots are available in various colors and styles. You can have a basic finish on your glazed ceramic pot or something stylish.
A glazed ceramic pot can complement your indoor space as well as the outdoors.
Like clay pots, they can provide maximum insulation against heat and old.
A glazed ceramic pot protects your monstera plant against temperature fluctuations.
They are great for plant owners that want their Monstera plant submerged.
Cons
They don’t allow air through their walls, which affects growth.
Since they don’t wick the water away, you must ensure you don’t overwater them.
Glazed ceramic pots are delicate, and they can crack if dropped.
Make sure your glazed ceramic pots have holes in them. If not, you must drill holes yourself. These pots look beautiful indoors and outdoors.
Metal Planters
Another great potting option for Monstera Deliciosa are metal planters. These pots are made of steel or aluminum and come in various finishes, colors, and styles.
Because of their aesthetic value, they can be used as cache containers.
Pros
They add a distinctive look to your living space. They give off a rustic look and sometimes a faded patina, which looks beautiful.
Metal planters are strong and won’t break.
They are easy to use, and with some minor changes, you can transform old metal containers into planters.
Cons
Some metal planters can be damaged by fertilizer salts.
If used for outdoor monstera plants, metal planters can become extremely hot or cold.
Planters made of lead pose a health hazard for your Monstera plants.
Galvanized metal containers can leak zinc into the soil, which is dangerous for your plants. Zinc can cause curled leaves, leaf tip death, and stunted growth.
These monstera pots are non-porous, and they can also be heavy.
Concrete Pots
Concrete pots are perfect for indoor and outdoor plants. They are available in various shapes, sizes, designs, and colors.
Pros
Concrete pots are strong and long-lasting. They are resistant to rain, wind, and other environmental elements and last for years.
They will protect the roots of your plants against extreme temperatures, which is similar to ceramic pots.
They are heavy and solid, which allows them to support even the largest monstera plant.
Like clay pots, concrete planters are permeable. As a result, they won’t allow too much moisture to accumulate within the soil.
Cons
If you plan on rearranging your plants, the heaviness of the pot will keep you from doing so.
The minerals in your garden soil can leave marks on these planters.
They are susceptible to moss growth.
The high lime content in concrete might affect the ph level of your soil, which could affect growth.
These planters are heavy, but their positives outweigh their negatives. They are great for outdoor plants and perfect for people that water their plants frequently.
Self Watering Pot
These pots have a built-in mechanism for wicking and a water reservoir. Once the reservoir is full, the water will seep into the potting mix, thus keeping you from watering every now and then.
A self-watering pot is great for people with poor watering habits or busy schedules.
Suggestions for Finding the Best Pot for Monstera
Choosing the Correct Pot Size
If your plant is in a big pot, the soil will dry slowly, which increases the likelihood of root rot.
Conversely, if the plant is too big for the pot, it can fall and get damaged. If the pot is too small, the soil will dry quickly, and you will have to water it all over again.
Another issue with smaller pots is that the plant will grow too sluggishly. The moment you find your plant outgrowing the pot, you must choose a pot that isn’t more than 2-4 inches larger than the previous pot.
The Problem with a Small Pot
A smaller container will confine the roots of your monstera plant. As a result, the root will not absorb the water and nutrients they need to grow.
An underfed plant will become lanky with time. It will also suffer from yellow and unhealthy leaves, frayed edges, and it will also shed leaves quicker than healthier plants.
If you find roots coming out of the drainage holes, you must immediately replace the pot.
The Problem with a Larger Pot Bad?
Some people invest in large monstera pots. They believe such pots will help them save money, and they won’t have to change the pot for some time.
Big planters take a long time for the water to dry completely. They keep the potting mix moist for a long time, thus making the plant more prone to fungal diseases. Always choose a medium-size pot for your Monstera.
Is There an Ideal Pot Size?
No, there is no perfect size for your pot. It all depends on the size of your plant. Your next pot should be two-three inches bigger than the previous one.
Choosing the Best Pot for Monstera
Each pot material has its pros and cons, and while the pot material is a matter of personal choice, there are a few factors you must consider.
Where to Put It?
Some pots are built for indoor use, while others are better off outside. If you are choosing a pot for an outdoor monstera plant, you must opt for terracotta pots, ceramic pots, or clay pots.
Don’t use metal pots outside as they become extremely hot or cold with weather fluctuations. Metal containers are great for inside the home, though.
Weight
Heavy pots offer great stability to your monstera plant. However, they are difficult to move if you plan on rearranging your plants.
It is better to leave big and heavy pots for outdoor plants, sticking to smaller and lighter pots inside the house.
Your Watering Habits
Pots are both porous and non-porous. Pots with porous walls allow water and air to pass through them. This isn’t the case with non-porous materials.
If you overwater your plant, you must get a pot with porous materials. Conversely, if you don’t have time to water your plants frequently, you must opt for a non-porous pot that can hold water for a long time.
Your Style Preferences
Of course, your planting pots should complement the color scheme and theme of your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Clay pots can come in handy if you are too picky about color and design. You can add different colors to clay, and it can retain those colors after it is baked.
With clay, you have several color and design options.
Drainage Holes
Standing water is not good for houseplants, and most of them don’t like to be submerged in water. Therefore, it is important to have drainage holes at the bottom of your pot.
A drainage hole drains away the water and also protects your plant against root rot and fungal issues.
If you must have a pot with no drainage holes, use it as a cache pot for a smaller pot. While a cache pot doesn’t need drainage holes, it must be large enough to serve as a basin for the main pot. It should have enough space for the water drained from the pot containing the plant.
Stability
As the name implies, a monstera plant can grow long and thick stems. It sounds strange, but a monstera plant can attain a height of up to seven 7 feet. Such plants have leaves almost two feet wide.
Other species of the Monstera plant, like the adansonii and the obliqua, will need extra support to climb and support the fenestrations of their leaves.
Once they start climbing, these plants can become very heavy. Therefore, they will need a pot that will provide them with the stability they need.
Pots for Homes With Little Humidity
Monstera plants are native to humid tropical regions; therefore, they need humidity to grow and thrive.
If you live in a dry area with less than 40% humidity, invest in a plastic pot for your monstera plants. Plastic can hold moisture for a long time, thus providing your plant with the humidity it needs to grow.
Best Pots for Low-Light Rooms
Like any other tropical plant, the monstera grows in bright sunlight. A monstera will take longer to grow in cooler rooms with less light, and the plant health might also suffer.
Moreover, the soil will take longer to dry in a cool room. In such conditions, a terracotta pot will come in handy.
Best Pot for Trailing Monstera
A trailing monstera plant isn’t particular about the kind of pot you use. You can use a plastic pot, a terracotta pot, or a basket with a coco fiber lining.
However, try not to use a clay or ceramic pot for monstera plants, as they are heavy and they can always fall and break.
Things to Consider When Using Cache Pots
A cache pot is a great way to enhance the look of your monstera pot. However, they can trap moisture which can be dangerous for your monstera plant in the long run.
Therefore, your cache pot should be an inch or two larger than the pot containing the plant. You can ensure a gap between the two pots by choosing a bigger cache pot.
The difference in size will ensure the evaporation of the excess moisture. It will also prevent condensation between the cache pot and the plastic pot.
After watering the plant, allow it to drain for at least 30 minutes before placing it into the cache pot.
Downsides of Using a Self-Watering Pot
Between each watering, the soil needs to dry out. If you get a self-watering pot for your monstera plant, the bottom soil will constantly remain moist, which is unhealthy for the monstera. As a result, root rot will occur, and the plant will die in some time.
Moreover, the right way to water a monstera is by pouring water from the top instead of the bottom. By watering from the top, you can flush away the extra fertilizer salts and also provide aeration to the plant’s roots by dislodging the soil pockets.
A self-watering pot doesn’t serve the purpose. Instead, it does a major disservice to your plant’s health. The best thing to have is traditional clay, terracotta, or plastic pots to water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Monstera Plants Like Being Root Bound?
The answer is no. Every monstera species has a fast-growing root system. If they are left in a pot for too long, it will be difficult for them to absorb water and nutrients. As a result, they will have stunted growth and start dying after some time. A monstera plant must be repotted every two years.
Can We Trim Monstera’s Roots?
Yes, you can trim monstera roots, but it isn’t recommended. Pruning a monstera plant can send it into a state of shock, especially if it is a young plant.
If you are new to gardening, simply replant the monstera into a new pot. However, if you are an experienced gardener, use a sharp, sterilized blade to cut off a portion of the outer roots.
Should There Be Rocks At the Bottom of a Monstera Pot
No, you shouldn’t have small rocks at the bottom of a monstera pot. By doing so, you will not improve drainage in the pot.
The excess water will gather at the bottom of the pot. The soil will remain wet, and it will contribute to fungal and bacterial growth.