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A monstera typically takes one to two years to get holes, but the exact timeline depends on the conditions you provide.
If you’ve been asking how long does it take for monstera to get holes, the short answer is that most monsteras start showing fenestrations within the first two years, given the right care.
Young monsteras grown from cuttings might get holes a bit sooner, while those started from seed can take even longer to reach that stage.
In this post, we’ll break down the timeline for monstera holes, the factors that affect fenestration, and what you can do to help your plant mature faster.
Let’s dig into the details of how long it takes for monstera to get holes and what you can expect along the way.
How Long Does It Take For Monstera To Get Holes
The truth is that a monstera getting holes isn’t something that happens overnight.
Monstera deliciosa needs to reach a certain level of maturity before it starts producing those beautiful splits and holes.
1. Age and Maturity Play the Biggest Role
When you’re wondering how long does it take for monstera to get holes, the age of the plant matters more than anything else.
A young monstera with just a handful of leaves will typically remain solid for the first year or so.
Once the plant matures and develops more foliage, it starts producing leaves with small slits that eventually become full holes.
Most monstera owners report seeing the first signs of fenestration anywhere from one to two years after bringing a healthy plant home.
2. Light Levels Directly Affect The Timeline
The amount of light your monstera receives can speed up or slow down how long it takes for monstera to get holes.
Bright, indirect light encourages the plant to photosynthesize more efficiently, which fuels growth and maturity.
If your monstera sits in a dark corner, it will grow much slower, which means holes will take longer to appear.
3. Growth Conditions And Whether It Climbs
Monsteras are natural climbers, and when they’re allowed to climb a moss pole or trellis, they develop holes faster.
The plant’s aerial roots sense the support and signal the plant to produce larger, more mature leaves.
This is why a monstera climbing up a pole might get holes several months sooner than one left to trail over a table.
Why Some Monsteras Take Longer To Get Holes
You might be doing everything right and still wondering how long does it take for monstera to get holes when yours just won’t cooperate.
There are a few common reasons why a monstera stays hole-free for longer than expected, and most of them are easy to fix.
1. Low Light Slows Down Maturity
Monsteras are forgiving plants, but they won’t thrive in dim spaces.
When light is scarce, the plant prioritizes survival over producing mature leaves with holes.
You’ll notice smaller leaves, longer stems, and absolutely no fenestrations in these conditions.
Moving your monstera closer to a bright window makes a world of difference.
2. The Plant Is Still Too Young
If you have a juvenile monstera that was recently propagated, it simply hasn’t had enough time to mature.
Young monsteras need to develop a solid root system and several sets of leaves before they can support fenestrated growth.
Patience is key here, and that’s just part of how long it takes for monstera to get holes.
3. Inconsistent Watering Or Lack Of Nutrients
A stressed monstera won’t put energy into producing holes.
Overwatering, underwatering, or skipping fertilizer can all delay the development of fenestrations.
Keeping your plant consistently hydrated and feeding it during the growing season helps it reach the maturity needed for holes.
How To Help Your Monstera Get Holes Faster
Now that you know how long it takes for monstera to get holes, you might be wondering if there’s any way to speed things up.
The good news is that you can absolutely encourage your monstera to mature and produce holes sooner.
1. Give It Plenty Of Bright, Indirect Light
Move your monstera near a bright window where it gets filtered sunlight for most of the day.
Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, but don’t be afraid to give it as much indirect light as possible.
This single change often makes the biggest difference in how long it takes for monstera to get holes.
2. Provide A Support Structure To Climb
Adding a moss pole or wooden stake encourages your monstera to grow upward.
As the plant climbs, its leaves naturally get bigger and start developing those iconic holes.
This mimics how monsteras grow in the wild and is one of the best tricks for faster fenestration.
3. Fertilize Regularly During The Growing Season
Feed your monstera with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks during spring and summer.
Nutrients give the plant the energy it needs to push out new leaves, and mature leaves are the ones that get holes.
Just don’t overdo it, as too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup and actually harm your plant.
4. Be Patient And Consistent
Even with perfect care, you can’t rush Mother Nature completely.
Most monsteras will reward you with holes within two years, and some patient owners see them even sooner.
Keep providing good conditions, and your monstera will eventually show those gorgeous fenestrations.
So, How Long Does It Take For Monstera To Get Holes?
Monstera leaves take one to two years on average to develop holes when the plant is given proper light and care.
The exact timeline for monstera getting holes depends on age, light exposure, whether the plant can climb, and how consistent your care routine is.
While younger plants or those in poor conditions might take three years or more, you can speed up the process with bright indirect light, a moss pole, and regular feeding.
Now you know how long it takes for monstera to get holes, so give your plant time and watch those beautiful fenestrations appear.