This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Getting holes in monstera leaves isn’t about pests or damage, it’s about helping your plant mature enough to grow fenestrations.
If you’ve been wondering how to get holes in monstera, the answer comes down to light, age, climbing support, and consistent care.
Yes, your monstera can get holes naturally, but only when the conditions mimic its native tropical habitat.
In this post, we’ll cover why monstera leaves get holes, the best ways to encourage holes in monstera, and what might be stopping your plant from splitting.
Let’s get to it.
Why Monstera Leaves Get Holes
Monstera leaves get holes because of a natural process called fenestration that the plant uses to survive in the wild.
The holes and splits let sunlight filter through to the lower leaves while also helping the plant withstand heavy rain and wind.
So when you’re asking how to get holes in monstera, you’re really asking how to trigger this natural leaf-splitting process.
1. Maturity Is the Biggest Factor
A young monstera won’t show holes until it reaches a certain level of maturity.
Most baby monsteras start with solid, heart-shaped leaves, and holes only appear as the plant matures.
If you want to get holes in monstera quickly, start with a mature plant that already has a few fenestrations.
Otherwise, be patient and give your young monstera time to grow.
2. Bright Indirect Light Triggers Splitting
Light is the number one trigger for monstera leaf holes.
In low light, a monstera won’t produce fenestrations because it doesn’t need them to capture sunlight.
But when you give your monstera bright indirect light, the plant responds by growing larger leaves with more holes and splits.
This is one of the most reliable ways to get holes in monstera leaves.
3. Climbing Support Encourages Bigger Leaves
In the wild, monsteras climb trees and their leaves get larger as they grow upward.
When you provide a moss pole or trellis, your monstera thinks it’s climbing, and this often leads to more holes.
A monstera that trails or droops tends to stay smaller with fewer fenestrations.
So if you want holes in monstera, give it something to climb.
How to Get Holes in Monstera: Step-by-Step
Now let’s talk about the exact steps that help monstera leaves get holes.
These are simple care adjustments that make a huge difference over time.
1. Place Your Monstera in the Right Spot
Find a spot with bright, filtered light, like near an east or north-facing window.
Avoid direct afternoon sun because it can scorch the leaves and slow down growth.
The more consistent light you provide, the more likely your monstera will get holes on new leaves.
2. Water Consistently Without Overwatering
Monsteras like evenly moist soil but they hate sitting in water.
Water your monstera when the top inch of soil feels dry, and make sure your pot has good drainage.
Overwatering causes root rot, which stops the plant from absorbing nutrients needed for fenestrations.
Consistent watering is key when you want to get holes in monstera leaves.
3. Feed Your Monstera a Balanced Fertilizer
Nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium support healthy leaf development.
Feed your monstera once a month during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Proper nutrition helps your monstera produce larger leaves with more holes.
4. Be Patient With New Growth
Each new leaf on a monstera takes time to unfurl and harden off.
The first few leaves on a young plant may not have holes, but the next ones often will.
If your monstera is already mature, new leaves should develop fenestrations as long as conditions are right.
Signs Your Monstera Will Get Holes Soon
How do you know if your monstera is about to get holes?
These signs tell you that fenestrations are on the way.
1. Larger Leaf Size
Before a monstera develops holes, the leaves usually start getting bigger.
When you notice new leaves coming in larger than the old ones, holes often follow soon after.
2. Small Slits or Notches at the Edges
Sometimes the first sign is tiny notches along the leaf edge before actual holes form.
These small cuts are the beginning of fenestrations.
Keep giving your monstera bright light and those notches will deepen into true holes.
3. Aerial Roots Growing Strong
Healthy aerial roots mean your monstera is ready to climb.
When you give those roots a moss pole to grab onto, the plant often rewards you with bigger split leaves.
So pay attention to those roots as you try to get holes in monstera.
Common Mistakes That Stop Monstera From Getting Holes
Sometimes you do everything right and still no holes appear.
Let’s look at the usual culprits that prevent monstera leaves from getting holes.
1. Too Little Light
Low light is the most common reason a monstera stays solid and unsplit.
If your plant sits in a dark corner, it will focus on survival rather than producing fenestrations.
Move your monstera to a brighter location and you’ll likely see holes on the next leaf.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Both extremes stress the plant and stop new leaves from forming properly.
Stressed monsteras often drop leaves or produce smaller, solid leaves without holes.
3. Pruning Too Early
If you prune your monstera aggressively, you remove the mature leaves that already have fenestrations.
Only prune dead or damaged leaves, and let the healthy ones stay to support hole production.
So, How Do You Get Holes in Monstera?
You get holes in monstera by giving your plant bright indirect light, a climbing support, consistent watering, and regular feeding.
Maturity matters too, so don’t expect holes on a young seedling.
With the right care, your monstera will naturally develop fenestrations and look absolutely stunning.
Now you know exactly how to get holes in monstera, so go ahead and give your plant the conditions it craves.