Why Are Some Monstera Leaves Solid

Some monstera leaves are solid because of a combination of genetics, light exposure, and the plant’s natural maturation process.
 
If you’ve been asking why some monstera leaves are solid while others have those iconic holes and splits, you’re not alone.
 
It’s a super common question among plant lovers, and the answer is actually more straightforward than you might think.
 
Monstera leaves develop fenestrations—those cool slits and holes—as a way to manage light and wind in their natural jungle habitat.
 
But not every leaf on your plant will get them, and that’s perfectly normal.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the main reasons why some monstera leaves are solid, when to expect fenestrations, and what you can do to encourage more of those gorgeous splits.
 
Let’s break it all down together.
 

Why Some Monstera Leaves Are Solid

The reason why some monstera leaves are solid often comes down to the leaf’s age and where it sits on the plant.
 
Younger leaves, especially the first few a plant produces, tend to be completely solid with no fenestrations at all.
 
As the plant matures, new leaves typically start developing those signature holes.
 
But here’s the thing: even on a mature monstera, the oldest leaves near the base might stay solid while the newer ones up top get all the splits.
 

1. Leaf Age and Maturity

Monstera leaves are solid by default when they first emerge.
 
Every new leaf starts as a solid, heart-shaped structure that unfolds from the stem.
 
Fenestrations only appear on leaves that come after the plant has reached a certain level of maturity.
 
So if you’re seeing solid leaves at the bottom of your plant, that’s just the older growth from when it was younger.
 
The newer leaves higher up are the ones that will show those beautiful splits.
 

2. Light Conditions Play a Big Role

Light is one of the biggest factors in whether monstera leaves are solid or fenestrated.
 
In the wild, monsteras grow under the canopy of large trees, so they’re used to dappled, indirect light.
 
When they don’t get enough bright, indirect light indoors, the plant may produce solid leaves because it doesn’t need to maximize light capture with fenestrations.
 
The less light your monstera gets, the more likely you’ll see solid leaves instead of split ones.
 
Moving your plant to a brighter spot can encourage the next new leaf to develop fenestrations.
 

3. Juvenile vs. Adult Growth Phase

Every monstera goes through a juvenile phase where all its leaves are solid.
 
During this stage, the plant is focused on climbing and establishing itself rather than producing fenestrations.
 
Once it transitions to the adult phase—which can take a few years—the leaves start developing holes and splits.
 
So if you have a young monstera, it’s totally expected that most or all of its leaves are solid right now.
 
Give it time, and those solid leaves will eventually be replaced by fenestrated ones.
 

4. Genetics of the Specific Monstera Variety

Not all monsteras are created equal when it comes to fenestrations.
 
Some varieties, like the Monstera deliciosa, are known for producing large fenestrated leaves as they mature.
 
But others, like certain cultivars or smaller species, might naturally produce more solid leaves.
 
If you have a monstera that just doesn’t seem to want to fenestrate no matter what you do, it might be in its genetics.
 
That doesn’t make it any less beautiful—solid monstera leaves are still stunning in their own right.
 

How to Encourage Fenestrations on Your Monstera

If you’re tired of seeing solid leaves and want more of those dramatic splits, there are a few things you can try.
 
Monstera leaves are solid when conditions aren’t quite right, so adjusting the environment can make a big difference.
 

1. Provide More Bright, Indirect Light

The easiest fix is to move your monstera to a spot with more bright, indirect light.
 
A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet away from a south-facing window is ideal.
 
Avoid direct sunlight, as that can scorch the leaves, but the more consistent brightness you provide, the more likely the next leaf will fenestrate.
 

2. Give It Something to Climb

Monsteras are natural climbers, and when they’re allowed to climb a moss pole or trellis, they produce larger leaves with more fenestrations.
 
When a monstera climbs, it mimics its natural behavior in the jungle, which signals the plant to enter its adult phase.
 
Adding a support structure can push your plant to grow bigger, split leaves instead of solid ones.
 

3. Be Patient With New Growth

Even with perfect conditions, you won’t see fenestrations overnight.
 
Each new leaf that unfurls is a reflection of the conditions from weeks prior, so it takes time.
 
Don’t panic if the next few leaves are still solid—just keep providing consistent care.
 
Over time, the plant will respond and start producing those iconic split leaves.
 

So, Why Are Some Monstera Leaves Solid?

Some monstera leaves are solid because the plant is either too young, not getting enough light, or simply following its genetic blueprint.
 
It’s a completely natural part of the plant’s lifecycle, and it doesn’t mean your monstera is unhealthy.
 
If you want more fenestrations, focus on giving your plant brighter light, a climbing support, and plenty of patience.
 
And remember, solid monstera leaves are just as gorgeous and healthy as the split ones.
 
Your plant is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do, and every leaf—solid or fenestrated—is a sign of life and growth.
 
So the next time you notice solid leaves on your monstera, you’ll know exactly why and what you can do about it.
 
Happy planting!