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Your monstera does not have holes because it likely isn’t mature enough, isn’t getting enough light, or hasn’t hit the right growing conditions yet.
That’s the short answer, and it’s honestly the most common reason you’ll see solid, hole-free leaves staring back at you.
If you’ve been searching “why does my monstera not have holes” and feeling like you’re doing something wrong, take a breath because you’re probably not.
Monsteras develop those iconic splits and holes—called fenestrations—only when they’re happy, healthy, and mature.
In this post, we’ll dig into why your monstera might not have holes, what you can do to encourage them, and how long you might have to wait.
Let’s get your monstera on the path to those beautiful, holey leaves.
Why Your Monstera Does Not Have Holes
The main reason your monstera does not have holes is that fenestrations are a sign of maturity, not just health.
Young monsteras, especially those grown from cuttings or seeds, start with solid, heart-shaped leaves.
As the plant ages and climbs, it naturally begins producing leaves with more splits and holes over time.
But that process doesn’t happen overnight, and it depends heavily on the environment you provide.
Let’s break down the specific factors that influence whether your monstera has holes or not.
1. Age and Maturity Are the Biggest Factors
Your monstera does not have holes simply because it’s still a baby in plant years.
Most monsteras need to reach a certain size—usually with several leaves and a decent stem height—before they start producing fenestrations.
If you bought a small potted monstera from a nursery, it might be 2 to 3 years old before you see real holes.
Even then, the first splits you see might be small or uneven, which is totally normal.
Patience is key here because you can’t force a young monstera to produce holes no matter what you do.
2. Insufficient Light Stops Fenestration Development
Another big reason your monstera does not have holes is that it’s not getting enough bright, indirect light.
In the wild, monsteras climb up trees to reach sunlight, and that exposure triggers the leaf-splitting process.
When your monstera sits in a dim corner, it doesn’t need to invest energy in making holes, so it stays solid.
Move your monstera near a bright window with filtered light, but avoid harsh direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
More light signals to your monstera that it’s in a competitive environment, so it starts developing holes to let light through to lower leaves.
3. Lack of a Climbing Support Can Delay Holes
Your monstera also might not have holes if it has nothing to climb.
Monsteras are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow upward on trees in the jungle.
When you give your monstera a moss pole or trellis, it mimics that natural climbing behavior.
Climbing monsteras produce larger leaves with more fenestrations because they’re trying to reach more sunlight.
If your monstera is just sprawling out of a pot with no support, it may stay in a juvenile state longer.
So add a moss pole and gently tie the stems to it to encourage upward growth and hole production.
4. Overwatering or Underwatering Stunts Growth
Sometimes your monstera does not have holes because it’s stressed from inconsistent watering.
Both overwatering and underwatering can cause your monstera to drop leaves or stop producing new ones, and new leaves are where holes appear.
Water your monstera only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot, which is a common killer of monsteras.
A stressed monstera focuses on survival, not on creating fancy fenestrations.
5. Nutrient Deficiencies Can Hinder Hole Formation
Your monstera might lack holes if it’s starving for nutrients, particularly magnesium and potassium.
These nutrients are essential for leaf development and overall plant vigor.
Feed your monstera with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as salt buildup can damage roots and make the problem worse.
A well-fed monstera will grow faster and reach maturity sooner, which is exactly what you need for holes.
How to Encourage Your Monstera to Grow Holes
Now that you know why your monstera does not have holes, let’s talk about actionable steps you can take to speed things up.
These changes won’t produce holes overnight, but they’ll set the stage for future fenestrations.
1. Provide Maximum Bright, Indirect Light
Place your monstera a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, behind a sheer curtain.
If you only have a low-light room, consider using a grow light for 8-10 hours a day.
Rotate the pot weekly so all sides of the plant get even light exposure.
This consistent light tells your monstera it’s time to start looking like an adult.
2. Give It Something to Climb
Install a moss pole, coco coir pole, or wooden plank in the center of the pot.
Secure the aerial roots to the pole using soft plant ties or clips.
As your monstera climbs, the nodes will root into the moss and the plant will produce larger leaves.
Keep the moss pole slightly damp to encourage aerial root attachment.
3. Be Patient With New Leaves
Even with perfect conditions, new monstera leaves take time to unfurl and show their holes.
A new leaf might arrive solid, then the next one shows small splits, and the one after that gets more pronounced holes.
Don’t expect every new leaf to be fully fenestrated, especially on a young plant.
Just keep providing consistent care, and the holes will come with age.
4. Repot Only When Necessary
Repotting too often can shock your monstera and delay growth, which means no new leaves with holes.
Only repot when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or when the soil dries out too quickly.
When you do repot, go up just 1-2 inches in pot size and use a chunky aroid mix.
A happy root system supports bigger, more mature leaves.
So, Why Does My Monstera Not Have Holes?
So, why does your monstera not have holes?
The honest answer is that your monstera likely doesn’t have holes because it’s still juvenile, not because you’re failing as a plant parent.
Fenestrations require maturity, plenty of bright indirect light, a climbing surface, consistent watering, and proper nutrition.
If you check all those boxes and give your monstera time, those beautiful holes will eventually appear.
Focus on creating a thriving environment, not on forcing holes, and your monstera will reward you.
Keep caring for your monstera, and soon you’ll be marveling at the signature splits you’ve been waiting for.