How To Choose The Best Pot for Your Monstera Plant?

Terracotta or ceramic pots are recommended due to their porosity and moisture control benefits. It’s important to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root growth.

Monstera plant is a tropical plant that is not fussy about its maintenance and growing requirements. They just need bright indirect light, humid environments, and adequate water to thrive. However, you can lose your precious plant because of a mistake in choosing a pot.

best pot for monstera
Many Colorful Pots in Different Sizes in a Gardening Store

Although it looks trivial, in fact, it can affect their overall growth. So, what kind of pot for Monstera works best?

You will find the answer with tips on choosing the best materials for plant pots, especially for your Monsteras. Hence, let us walk you through every section of this article to help you find the best pot for Monstera.

Key Takeaways

  • Various pot types are suitable, including terracotta, ceramic, and plastic.
  • Terracotta pots aid moisture control and prevent root rot.
  • Ceramic pots, while attractive, require good drainage.
  • Plastic pots offer lightweight and cost-effective options.
  • The right pot choice depends on the plant’s size and growth stage.

Types of Pots for Monstera Plants

To begin with, you should know that there are several types of pots that are commonly used to grow Monstera plants. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Your task is to ensure that the pot matches the size, growth stage, and cultivar of your Monstera.

But before we go any further, let’s check out these pots below to determine which one will suit your plant best!

1. Terracotta Pots

Terracotta pots are a favorite for plant growers because of their porous nature, making it easier for water to seep into the sides of the pot.

Good porosity can also prevent root rot from being trapped in water in the soil. In addition, the unglazed clay pot material also allows better air circulation and serves as moisture control.

best pot for monstera
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma in Cute Terracota Pot

What’s more? They are retentive to temperature shock thanks to their thick walls. In addition, they are affordable and widely available everywhere, so you can easily find them.

Unfortunately, they break easily when exposed to impact or a drastic drop in temperature due to extreme cold.

2. Ceramic Pots

As the name suggests, ceramic pots are usually made of glazed ceramic. Because of this, they are non-porous pots. Hence, this glazed ceramic pot can lock moisture better.

Apart from their function, ceramic pots are also a top pick for Monstera plants because of the variety of sizes and attractive designs.

Thus, they will look great to display in indoor areas like the living room.

best pot for monstera
Monstera Monkey Mask in a Ceramic Pot

Similar to terracotta pots, they also have thick dining, which can prevent disturbance due to sudden temperature changes to your plant.

On the other hand, their non-porous nature can be a problem if they don’t have proper drainage holes, as it can increase the risk of root rot caused by constant wet soil.

3. Plastic Pots

Not just for Monstera plants, but plastic pots probably ranked first as the most popular planters for all plants.

Plastic raw materials have advantages, including maintaining moisture in the roots, resistance to hot and cold temperatures, being lightweight so that they are easy to move, and low in price.

Plastic Pots
Plastic Pots

In addition, plastic pots designs are diverse, so you can easily choose according to your taste. However, they are non-porous, so water tends to get stuck in them, risking the root ball rot.


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4. Transparent Containers

Even though it’s not common to grow Monstera plants in transparent pots, they work as great as when you use them for orchids.

You can easily observe the roots’ growth and health by planting them in such pots. Thus, you can take appropriate action when there are issues with your plants.

best pot for monstera
Monstera in Transparent Containers

In addition, clear planters also allow the roots to get sun exposure, such as the stems and leaves. Moreover, they are also light and moveable.

Unfortunately, transparent pots are generally only available in small to medium sizes. But, If you are interested in this type of Monstera pot, be sure to choose those with drainage holes.

5. Metal Containers

You might not think that metal pots can actually be used to grow Monstera. They have a strong structure and resilience, so they can guarantee they won’t crack easily like clay pots.

best pot for monstera
Monstera in Metal Container

The design of metal containers also features its own characteristics, which generally highlight rustic or vintage themes.

Therefore, they will be excellent décor for the corner of your house.

But sadly, they are conductors that can become very hot or cold when exposed to changes in temperature. In addition, most metals are not salt tolerant, so they can rust easily when exposed to the substance.

6. Concrete Planters

Another porous material that will be a great choice to plant your Monstera is concrete planters. They ensure good drainage and air circulation so the plant and soil can breathe.

Also, they have a sturdy design and usually come in various sizes. Thus, you can easily pick one for the plant.

Concrete Planters
Concrete Planters

Furthermore, concrete is heavy, so sometimes it’s tricky to move around. But this is also advantageous because the pot does not fall easily when bad weather comes, such as strong winds.

In case you are interested, it is better to display them on a sturdy surface due to their heavy weight, which could risk breaking your tile floor.

7. Fiberglass Pot Planters

If you are looking for an alternative to terracotta pots with fancy designs, fiberglass pot planters are the ultimate answer.

Their shape is simple but looks modern with the dominance of a grayish-white color that makes the dark green leaves of the Monstera plant stand out.

Fiberglass Pot Planter
Source: Pinterest at @Garden Hack

Other than that, fiberglass pots are lighter than other porous pots, so moving them will be easier. With such excellent features, it’s no wonder they have a higher price than the pots we listed earlier.


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What Kind of Material is Best for A Monstera Pot?

After knowing several pots that you can use to grow Monstera, have you determined which one is the best pot for your Monstera? Of all these types of planters, Monstera plants will most likely like terracotta pots made of clay as the ideal material and pots.

The pot has good porosity to ensure that water from your regular watering can seep on all sides of the planter. Thus, the soil can dry faster. The porosity is also beneficial in preventing root decay due to wet soil.

Apart from terracotta, you can choose other clay-based plant containers, such as unglazed clay pots.

Unlike the glazed ones that polish the surface of the pots to prevent the draw out of the water, the unglazed ones will make it easier for moisture to escape from the soil.

Material is Best for A Monstera Pot
Material is Best for A Monstera Pot

Contrary to that, in non-porous pots, Monstera plants will be more susceptible to fungal diseases because the roots are left moist and wet continuously. This will be exacerbated by the absence of drainage holes.

Therefore, you are advised to choose the porous one. If you can’t find a pot with these criteria, it’s OK to buy plastic pots or other non-porous types, but you have to ensure they have adequate drainage holes.

In addition, these pots will be suitable for those who often underwater the plant.

What Size Pot Does A Monstera Need?

Unlike other plants that favor bigger pots, Monstera plants prefer otherwise!

They actually like smaller pot sizes because of their nature to grow cramped. In addition, this measure also ensures that all sides of the pot are filled with the roots.

This is because the rootless spots can hold water, resulting in continuous wet soil. Of course, it will be detrimental to your Monstera as it will lead to root rot and other more serious problems, such as root disease.

best pot for monstera
The Best Pot for Monstera

Furthermore, cell Monstera does not require deep pots because the roots tend to grow sideways. Instead of minding the depth, it is wiser to determine the width of the pot.

Baby or young Monsteras need a pot measuring about eight inches wide. In contrast, mature ones love containers with a size of around 2 feet in diameter.

However, we recommend measuring root growth before buying a pot to make it more accurate and prevent the wrong size.

But remember that your Monstera will need a larger pot when it’s time to repot. Choose a pot size with a diameter of about 1-2 inches larger than the previous ones to make room for the roots to develop properly.

This measure also prevents overcrowding of both the roots and the stems.

How To Choose The Best Pot for Your Monster Plant?

You must pay attention and determine the pot criteria for your Monstera before deciding to buy it.

Errors in the selection of container plants can make this tropical plant refuse to grow healthily. Or worse, detrimental to its health.

And for that reason, we have compiled some tips for choosing the best pot for Monstera. Check them out below!

  • First, determine your Monstera size. There are some cultivars of Monstera plants whose size varies. Some of them grow big, reaching up to 8 feet tall indoors. Meanwhile, others tend to creep with vining habits. Therefore, knowing their size is crucial to choose the right pot size.
  • Then, check on the drainage holes. The best pot for Monstera or any other plant is the one with a proper drainage hole to allow excess water to flow from the soil. Thus, the ground will dry out faster. Those holes also ensure better air circulation.
  • Next, choose the best material! You can pick two kinds of materials for your Monstera, which are porous and non-porous. Porous pots, like terracotta and unglazed ceramic, are ideal for this plant as they can provide good drainage and air circulation. They are also great for those who set a regular watering schedule for their plants. On the other hand, non-porous ones will lock moisture longer. Thus, they are better for plant owners that find it hard to stick to the watering plan.

Do Monsteras Need Drainage Holes?

YES! Drainage holes are crucial and must be available in Monstera pots because these tropical plants are susceptible to root rot. These holes are at the bottom of the pot, allowing water to flow, thus preventing it from sitting too long on the soil.

Drainage Holes
Monsteras Need Drainage Holes

In addition to preventing root rot, drainage holes are also important to avoid the buildup of salts in the soil and fertilizer you give Monstera. This phenomenon is known as salt burn.

The salt can eventually inhibit the water absorption of the roots and ultimately make your plants droopy. In addition, you may start noticing dry edges of the leaves due to lack of water.

Not only that, but the drainage holes also benefit Monstera because they improve plant air circulation. Those holes allow the roots to breathe freely, so they won’t choke because they are too crowded.

They also act as humidity control, keeping the soil moist without keeping it wet for too long.

Final Thought

To sum up, you can choose porous and non-porous materials for Monstera plants. For those who prefer to water their plants frequently, porous pots like terracotta will work great!

Conversely, plastic pots and glazed ceramics are better for plant owners who often forget to stick to the watering schedule. But please, choose the right size to avoid any harm to your plan.


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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Does a Monstera need a deep pot?

Although they grow tall and large, your Monstera plant doesn’t need a deep pot.

Instead of providing more space, such a container makes the plant susceptible to root rot. This is because wet soil will last too long in the pot, triggering decay, and leading to serious issues, such as fungal diseases.

In addition, your Monstera will tend to channel its energy into root growth rather than growing new leaves if you plant it in a deep and large pot.

When should you repot a Monstera?

Monstera plant generally needs yearly repotting to perform better. But, if you are unsure when to bother this tropical plant, you can observe the roots. Whenever they get too crowded, it is the best time to offer a fresh start.

In addition, no sign of new growth and less water retention may signal that your Monstera plant is saturated in the old pot.

Do Monsteras like bigger pots?

While it seems Monsteras love bigger pots, they actually don’t need them!

Monstera plant prefers to grow densely in small to medium containers and is repotted once a year. Plant containers that are too big actually make them focus on directing their nutrients and energy for root growth, not leaves or stems.

In addition, large pots will keep water in the soil longer, triggering root rot which you definitely don’t want. After all, your Monster will continue to grow regardless of the pot size.

Are terracotta pots good for Monstera?

Terracotta pots are one of the best growing media for Monstera plants because they are porous.

Thus, allowing water to escape the pot easily. Choosing a porous pot is important because this tropical perennial is prone to root rot.

Also, ensure that those plant pots have drainage holes to prevent water from being trapped in the ground for too long.

Do Monsteras go into shock after repotting?

In some cases, Monstera plants can go into shock after repotting due to improper transplanting. Some of the signs that often appear are the leaves withering and yellowing. These two characteristics are indeed similar to when they lack water.

But you don’t have to worry. You can revive your Monstera by providing good growing conditions, such as bright indirect sunlight, moist soil, and humidity following their natural habitat.

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