[Itās a follow up on my earlier post. Thanks a bunch to the folks that responded š] Which is the better option to pot your monstera in along with the orchid bark mix? For additional context, my monstera is on a moss pole, and I wanted a mix that was fast draining to avoid root rot. Considering the Tropical Potting Soil mix and the Cactus Palm and Citrus Potting Soil mix. Leaning on the Tropical Potting mix, and I planned on mixing either one with the coarse blend.
Yeah I would diy your own soil to make sure itās a good mix and itās cheaper in long run. Or you can find premixed kinds in some small nurseries or Etsy that is the right ratio of amendments but usually pricier. You can find diy recipes online. I took from a few different recipes and what I could more readily and cost effectively find and the one I made is 40% sphagnum peat moss, 30% perlite, 20% earthworm castings, 5% tropical soil, 5% reptile bark or orchid bark. The tropical soil in your pic is the one I put in my mix.
4 Likes
I think that because the tropical mix now has lava rock in it that would be my choice since you are adding the orchid bark as well.
1 Like
iād advise staying away from miracle gro in general. their products are often full of fungus gnat eggs and larvae. i use a mix of coco coir (with some worm castings), fir bark chips (āorchid barkā), and a blend of grit (various grades of perlite and pumice) at a 1:1:1 ratio for my monstera and they are thriving
5 LikesAppreciate it. Leaning towards this too. Glad you said it.
2 Likes
I once got a potting mix that had a clump of grass growing in it about the size of softball lol. I felt a bit ripped-off, but Iād much rather that than pests I also recommend making your own mix. Itās inevitable if youāre getting into monsteras or other aroids š I like Organic Mechanics container blend soil as a base, but Iām not sure how common it is for people to find. Then I customize with my collection of random assorted amendments. The ones I use most often are chunky perlite or pumice, sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and worm castings depending on the individual plantās needs. I find tree fern fiber too expensive and water-retentive for most peopleās needs, and I strongly dislike peat moss for being either too soggy or very hydrophobic with no middle ground in between. Fluval Stratum is great if you want to get into growing rare plants from cuttings or corms, but too expensive large-scale imo
2 Likes
while my monstera is in the tropical mix (it was the affordable option when i needed to desperately repot) iād suggest throwing some perlite in there with the orchid bark. iāve heard monsteras can grow in anything but also bad reviews of miracle gro.
1 Like