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How to get holes in your monstera leaves? The answer is simpler than you might think.
Holes in monstera leaves, known as fenestrations, develop naturally as the plant matures.
You don’t actually cut holes into the leaves, instead, you create the right conditions for your monstera to grow those iconic splits on its own.
Fenestration is that cool split-leaf look that makes monsteras so iconic.
In this post, we’ll explore exactly how to get holes in your monstera leaves, what encourages fenestration, and what might be holding your plant back.
Let’s dig in.
Why Monstera Leaves Develop Holes
The reason your monstera grows holes is tied to its natural survival strategy in the wild.
Fenestrations allow sunlight to filter through the broad leaves to lower branches.
They also reduce wind damage and help heavy rain pass through.
When you understand why holes appear, it’s easier to see how to get holes in your monstera leaves at home.
1. Age Matters Most for Monstera Holes
We have to say it, young monsteras typically have solid, heart-shaped leaves with no holes at all.
As the plant grows and matures, usually after a few years, new leaves begin developing those characteristic splits and holes.
So if you have a young monstera and you’re wondering how to get holes in your monstera leaves, patience is a big part of the answer.
The plant needs time to reach the maturity level where fenestration naturally kicks in.
2. Light Levels Drive Fenestration
Monsteras are jungle plants that climb trees and reach toward bright light.
When they receive more light intensity, they respond by producing larger leaves with more holes.
The reason is that the holes maximize light capture on the forest floor.
To get holes in your monstera leaves, you want to give your plant bright, indirect light for several hours each day.
3. Genetics Play a Role in Leaf Holes
Not all monsteras are created equal when it comes to fenestration.
A Monstera deliciosa will develop holes more readily than a Monstera adansonii, which has smaller perforations.
Some cultivars are bred specifically for dramatic holes and splits.
While you can’t change the genetics of your plant, understanding this helps set realistic expectations for how to get holes in your monstera leaves.
Best Ways to Get Holes in Your Monstera Leaves
Now that you know why holes form, it’s time to talk about the practical steps you can take.
These care strategies will encourage your monstera to develop leaves with fenestrations.
Follow these tips consistently and you’ll start seeing holes appear on new growth.
1. Give Your Monstera Bright, Indirect Light
The single biggest factor for how to get holes in your monstera leaves is light.
Place your monstera near an east or north-facing window where it catches gentle morning sun.
If you only have south or west windows, filter the light with sheer curtains.
You can also use a grow light to supplement during darker months.
The goal is to mimic the dappled sunlight of the jungle floor, which encourages the plant to produce leaves with more holes.
2. Water Consistently to Avoid Stress
Water stress can stunt leaf development and stop holes from forming.
Monsteras like their soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Stick your finger about an inch into the soil, if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Consistent moisture keeps your monstera healthy and promotes the steady growth needed for fenestration.
3. Fertilize to Support Leaf Growth
Fertilizer gives your monstera the nutrients it needs to produce new leaves with holes.
A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength once a month during spring and summer works great.
Nitrogen promotes leafy growth while potassium strengthens the plant.
Just don’t overdo it, too much fertilizer can burn roots and actually slow down fenestration.
4. Use a Moss Pole to Encourage Climbing
When monstras climb, they grow bigger leaves with more pronounced holes.
That’s how they behave in the wild, climbing up trees toward the canopy.
Add a moss pole or trellis and gently tie your monstera’s aerial roots to it.
This vertical growth signals the plant to mature, which is exactly how to get holes in your monstera leaves.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Monstera Holes
Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can stop holes from ever appearing.
If your monstera stays solid and unperforated, check for these issues.
1. Low Light Will Delay Holes for Years
A monstera sitting in a dim corner will survive, but it won’t thrive.
Low light tells the plant to keep its leaves small and solid, which is the opposite of what you want.
If you’ve been wondering how to get holes in your monstera leaves, the first change you should make is moving it to a brighter spot.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering Can Halt Growth
Root rot from overwatering is a monstera killer.
When roots are damaged, the plant can’t take up nutrients and new leaf growth slows down dramatically.
On the flip side, letting your monstera dry out completely can cause leaf tips to brown.
Neither situation is good for developing holes.
3. Pruning Away the Wrong Leaves
If you prune your monstera too aggressively, you remove the mature leaves that are already developing holes.
It also delays overall maturation because the plant has to regrow lost foliage first.
Only prune yellow or damaged leaves to encourage healthy new growth.
So, How Do You Get Holes in Your Monstera Leaves?
How do you get holes in your monstera leaves? The honest answer is that you can’t force a young monstera to grow holes overnight.
Holes in monstera leaves develop over time as the plant matures, and you simply provide the ideal conditions to speed up the process.
Give your monstera bright, indirect light, water consistently, feed it regularly, and let it climb.
Avoid the common mistakes like low light and overwatering, and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous fenestrated leaves.
Keep being patient, keep caring for your monstera, and those holes will come.