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Which substrate for each Araceae variety? Our expert advice

Should the substrate be different depending on the Araceae variety? 🌱💡

Araceae , these rare tropical plants that we love to see climbing, falling or spreading majestically, include famous genera such as Philodendrons , Alocasias , Monstera , Aglaonemas and Syngoniums .

But behind this apparent botanical unity lie specific needs , particularly with regard to the tropical substrate suited to their cultivation.

So, do you really need to tailor the substrate to each Araceae variety ? Spoiler: yes . And if you want to avoid rotten roots, limp leaves, and stagnant growth, it's time to find out how to create a tailor-made substrate for your exotic plants.

1️⃣ Araceae: a varied botanical family with specific needs 🌿

Araceae are native to Southeast Asia , Central America , and South America . They have some common features:

  • 🌱 Decorative and graphic foliage

  • 💡 Adaptation to indirect light

  • 🔁 Fast growth with vigorous roots

  • 💧 Needs moderate to high humidity

But in reality, each genre has developed different requirements :

  • Some are epiphytes , growing on trees

  • Others live in the damp undergrowth

  • And some like a denser, but well-drained soil .

👉 Adapting your tropical substrate according to the species means offering your rare tropical plant an ideal environment , even in an apartment or veranda in France or Europe .

2️⃣ Why a single substrate is not enough for all Araceae ❌🌱

Using the same mix for all your Araceae? Bad idea. Here's why:

  • ❌ Too much humidity: rot on epiphytic species

  • ❌ Too few nutrients: deficiency in Aglaonemas

  • ❌ Substrate too dense: suffocated roots

  • ❌ Substrate too light: unstable and dry plant

The ideal substrate for tropical plants must always combine:

✅ Airy structure
✅ Fast drainage
✅ Sufficient moisture retention

But the proportions vary depending on the species . This is why at Green and White Plants , we have developed specific tropical substrates for each type of Araceae , designed for indoor cultivation in France and Europe .

3️⃣ What substrate for a Philodendron? Lightness and structure above all 🌬️🪵

Philodendrons are often epiphytes : they like air and hate stagnant water.

🧪 Recommended mix (example) :

  • 25% coconut flakes

  • 25% perlite or pumice

  • 50% blond sphagnum peat moss

💡 Pro tip : Add a moss stake to encourage the development of their aerial roots. Ideal for a Philodendron Melanochrysum or Gloriosum .

4️⃣ What substrate for an Alocasia? Draining, but rich and retentive 💧🌾

Alocasias (Frydek, Polly, Dragon Scale, etc.) are more demanding. They need a rich, but light and well-drained tropical substrate .

🧪 Recommended mix (example):

  • 30% coconut flakes

  • 30% perlite or vermiculite

  • 40% clay balls

💡 Tip: Add a thin layer of activated charcoal to the bottom of the pot to protect the roots from mold .

5️⃣ What substrate for a Monstera? A balance between aeration and humidity 🪴🌿

Monsteras (Deliciosa, Adansonii, Thai Constellation, etc.) are semi-epiphytes . They like to climb, but their roots need a little more moisture than Philodendrons.

🧪 Recommended mix (example) :

  • 40% coconut flakes or coco peat

  • 20% perlite or pumice

  • 10% activated carbon

  • 30% clay balls

💡 For a “jungle” effect, place your Monstera on a natural stake and watch it climb!

6️⃣ What substrate for an Aglaonema or a Syngonium? Denser, but well-drained 🌤️🍃

Aglaonemas and Syngoniums need a more compact substrate, but always airy and moist .

🧪 Recommended mix (example):

  • 40% Clay balls

  • 30% coconut flakes

  • 20% horticultural perlite

  • 10% activated carbon

💡 These plants like warm and humid environments : place them away from cold drafts and maintain humidity around 60% .

🏁 Conclusion: always adapt your substrate to your rare tropical plant 🌍🌿

As you can see, there is no universal substrate for all Araceae. Each variety needs a specific tropical mix , adapted to its origins and growth habits .

However, these recommendations are examples only. Our special aroid potting soil provides a balanced structure, and your plant will be healthy while you decide on the right substrate for your plant!

  • Too dense? Your Philodendron is suffocating.

  • Too dry? Your Alocasia is dying.

  • Too poor? Your Aglaonema is stagnating.

👉 At Green and White Plants , we offer you premium tropical substrates , formulated for each type of Araceae, tested in real European conditions , and not found in conventional garden centers .

Want to make sure you choose the right substrate for your rare tropical plant ? Write to us 🌿 We're here to support you every step of the way in your inner jungle 🌴

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