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You can get more holes in a monstera plant by giving it bright, indirect light and letting it mature.
The holes in monstera leaves, called fenestrations, are a sign of a happy, healthy plant.
If you’ve been wondering how to get more holes in monstera plant leaves, you’re in the right place.
Young monsteras often have solid leaves, but as they grow, those iconic holes start to appear.
This process takes patience, but the results are absolutely worth it.
In this post, we’ll cover why monsteras develop holes, how to encourage fenestrations, and common mistakes to avoid.
We’ll also share some extra tricks to speed things up.
Let’s get into it.
How to Get More Holes in Monstera Plant Leaves
Getting more holes in your monstera plant comes down to replicating its natural jungle habitat.
Monsteras climb trees in the rainforest, where they get dappled sunlight and high humidity.
When you provide these conditions, your monstera rewards you with bigger leaves and more holes.
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Light is the biggest factor in how to get more holes in monstera plant foliage.
Monsteras need filtered brightness, not harsh direct sun, since they grow under a canopy in the wild.
Place your monstera near a north or east-facing window for plenty of light without scorching.
If leaves stay solid with no holes, low light is often the culprit.
A grow light can help if your home is too dark.
The more energy your monstera gets, the more it invests in creating fenestrations.
Remember to rotate your plant occasionally so all leaves get even light.
2. Let Your Monstera Mature
Age plays a huge role in how to get more holes in monstera plant leaves.
A young monstera won’t produce holes no matter how perfect your care routine is.
Most monsteras start showing fenestrations when they’re two to three years old.
Patience is key because you can’t rush nature.
Give your monstera a moss pole to climb, which encourages larger leaves with more holes.
When monsteras climb, they mimic their natural growth habit and often produce more splits.
3. Water Consistently Without Overwatering
Proper watering is essential for how to get more holes in monstera plant growth.
Monsteras like soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering halts new leaf growth.
A good rule is to water when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Consistent moisture without soggy roots supports fenestrated leaves.
This simple habit prevents both root rot and drought stress.
Other Ways to Encourage More Monstera Holes
Beyond the basics, a few extra tricks can boost hole production in your monstera.
These methods help simulate the rainforest environment even more closely.
Try combining them with the core care tips for the best results.
1. Increase Humidity Around Your Plant
High humidity is a big part of how to get more holes in monstera plant care.
Monsteras thrive at 60 percent humidity or higher.
Indoor air is often drier, especially in winter.
Use a humidifier, group plants together, or try a pebble tray with water.
Higher humidity helps leaves grow larger and healthier.
Misting alone isn’t very effective, so focus on the whole plant.
2. Feed Your Monstera Regularly
Fertilizer gives your monstera nutrients to produce stunning holes.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength once a month in spring and summer.
A 20-20-20 blend provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Nitrogen supports leafy growth, while phosphorus strengthens roots.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as salt buildup can damage roots.
A well-fed monstera creates larger leaves with more splits and holes over time.
3. Prune Old or Damaged Leaves
Pruning helps redirect energy to new growth, where fenestrations appear.
Remove old or solid leaves with clean, sharp scissors at the base of the stem.
Prune in spring or early summer for the best results.
This keeps your plant focused on producing leaves with more holes.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Monstera Holes
If you can’t figure out how to get more holes in monstera plant, check for these mistakes.
Sometimes the problem is what you’re not doing.
Correcting these issues can make a huge difference.
1. Too Much Direct Sunlight
Direct sun causes leaf burn, which appears as brown, crispy patches.
Burned leaves can’t photosynthesize well, reducing energy for hole production.
Keep your monstera out of harsh afternoon sun.
A sheer curtain filters intense light while letting brightness through.
2. Keeping the Plant in a Tiny Pot
A root-bound monstera won’t thrive or produce holes.
When roots fill the pot, the plant can’t absorb enough water or nutrients.
Check for roots poking out of the drainage holes.
Repot into a container two to three inches larger in diameter.
Fresh soil and room to grow support bigger, fenestrated leaves.
A snug pot might look cute, but it limits your monstera’s potential.
3. Ignoring Pests
Pests like spider mites and mealybugs weaken your monstera and stop hole production.
They suck sap from leaves, draining the plant’s energy.
Inspect leaf undersides regularly for webs or white fuzz.
Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil right away.
A pest-free plant can focus on growing beautiful fenestrations.
So, How to Get More Holes in Monstera Plant?
You can get more holes in a monstera plant by providing bright indirect light, letting it mature, and maintaining high humidity.
Consistent watering, regular feeding, and occasional pruning all support fenestration development.
Avoid common mistakes like direct sun, cramped pots, and pests.
Patience is key because monstera holes develop over time as the plant grows.
Keep your monstera healthy, and it will reward you with those iconic splits and holes.
Leaf holes are a sign of a thriving monstera, so celebrate each new fenestration.
With these tips, you now know how to get more holes in monstera plant leaves.
Happy growing.