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Monstera leaves do get holes over time as the plant matures naturally.
If you’ve brought home a young monstera with solid, heart-shaped leaves, you might be surprised when those holes start appearing.
But this is completely normal.
The holes on monstera leaves are called fenestrations, and they’re one of the most iconic features of this beloved houseplant.
In this post, we’ll explore why monstera leaves get holes over time, how to encourage the process, and how to tell natural holes from damage.
Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned collector, this process is a fascinating part of plant care.
Let’s get started.
Why Do Monstera Leaves Get Holes Over Time
Monstera leaves do get holes over time because of a natural process called fenestration.
It’s not a disease, and it’s not a nutrient deficiency.
It’s simply what these plants do when they’re healthy and happy.
1. Maturation and Natural Growth
Young monstera plants start out with completely solid leaves.
When the plant is still a baby, its leaves are whole and heart-shaped.
As the monstera matures, the new leaves that emerge begin to develop splits and holes.
Monstera leaves get holes over time because the plant is simply growing up.
The older the plant gets, the more pronounced the fenestrations become.
2. Chasing Sunlight
In the wild, monsteras grow on the floor of tropical rainforests.
They spend their early life in the shade of larger trees.
As they grow, they climb up trunks and branches to reach brighter light.
The holes in the leaves let sunlight pass through to the lower parts of the plant.
This clever adaptation helps every leaf contribute to photosynthesis.
That’s why monstera leaves get holes over time as they fight for light in dense forests.
3. Bigger Holes with Age
The holes on a monstera leaf don’t just appear randomly.
Each new leaf can be more fenestrated than the last one.
A mature monstera can produce enormous leaves with multiple rows of holes and deep splits all the way to the edges.
Comparing an old leaf to a new one makes it obvious why monstera leaves get holes over time.
The progression from solid to full fenestration tells the story of your plant’s growth.
How to Encourage Monstera Leaves to Get Holes
If you’ve been asking do monstera leaves get holes over time, you probably want to speed up the process.
The good news is that you can encourage more fenestrations with the right care.
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Light is the most important factor when it comes to fenestrations.
Monsteras need plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to produce holes.
Place your plant near an east-facing or north-facing window.
Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.
If your monstera is sitting in low light, its new leaves will likely stay solid.
Moving it somewhere brighter is the first step to seeing those holes develop.
2. Be Patient with Young Plants
Do monstera leaves get holes over time? Yes, but not instantly.
It typically takes two to three years for a young monstera to start producing fenestrated leaves.
Sometimes it can take even longer if the growing conditions aren’t ideal.
Just focus on providing consistent care, and the holes will eventually appear.
3. Give Your Monstera Something to Climb
Monsteras are natural climbers.
In the wild, they scale trees to reach sunlight.
When you provide a moss pole or trellis, your monstera can climb and grow much larger.
Plants that are allowed to climb tend to produce bigger leaves with more holes.
This is a great way to encourage monstera leaves to get holes naturally.
4. Fertilize During the Growing Season
Healthy plants produce more impressive leaves.
Feeding your monstera with a balanced fertilizer during spring and summer encourages strong growth.
Use a liquid houseplant fertilizer every four to six weeks.
Don’t overdo it, as too much fertilizer can harm the roots.
A well-fed monstera is much more likely to reward you with beautiful fenestrations.
Common Misconceptions About Monstera Holes
There’s a lot of confusion out there about do monstera leaves get holes over time.
Let’s clear up some common myths.
Holes Don’t Mean the Plant Is Sick
Some plant owners panic when they see holes appearing.
They worry that pests or diseases are eating their monstera.
But natural fenestrations are smooth, even, and appear as the leaf grows.
Your monstera is actually telling you that it’s thriving.
So don’t grab the pesticide the moment you spot holes.
First, check whether the holes look like neat fenestrations or ragged damage.
All Monsteras Develop Holes Eventually
Do monstera leaves get holes over time in every single plant?
Most healthy monstera deliciosa plants will develop fenestrations as they mature.
But some varieties naturally produce fewer holes than others.
For example, monstera adansonii has smaller holes, while monstera deliciosa produces those large, iconic splits.
Genetics play a role, but proper care makes a huge difference too.
Natural Holes vs. Damage
Not every hole on a monstera leaf is a natural fenestration.
How to Tell the Difference
Fenestrations are smooth, symmetrical, and evenly spaced across the leaf.
Pest damage looks jagged, irregular, or has brown crispy edges.
If holes appear suddenly on mature leaves, you’re probably dealing with pests or physical damage.
Check the underside of the leaves for tiny insects like thrips or spider mites.
Natural holes develop as the leaf slowly unfolds, so there’s never a sudden change.
So, Do Monstera Leaves Get Holes Over Time?
Yes, monstera leaves do get holes over time as a completely natural part of their growth.
Young plants start with solid leaves, but as they mature, fenestrations begin to form.
These holes are a sign of a healthy, happy monstera.
The process takes time, but with bright light, good climbing support, and consistent care, your plant will develop those iconic split leaves.
So don’t worry when you notice holes starting to appear.
Embrace them as a sign that your monstera is growing up beautifully.