Pothos with Holes: For Beginners to Pros
Have you ever scrolled through social media and stopped at a picture of a stunning vine with beautiful, natural holes and wondered if it was a special kind of pothos? Or maybe your own trusty pothos has started developing mysterious holes, and you’re not quite sure if it’s a good sign or a cry for help.
You’re in exactly the right place! It’s a common point of confusion for even seasoned plant parents. That beautiful vining plant might not be a pothos at all, but something else entirely. And if it is your pothos, those holes can mean very different things.
We promise to demystify the entire topic of the pothos with holes. We’ll clear up the confusion, help you identify the true cause of holes in your plant, and give you the confidence you need to grow a thriving, gorgeous vine, splits and all.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore the key differences between true pothos and their holey look-alikes, dive into the exciting world of natural splits (called fenestration!), diagnose common problems that cause unwanted holes, and share our best care tips for a happy, healthy plant.
What's On the Page
- 1 Is It Really a Pothos with Holes? The Great Plant Mix-Up
- 2 The Magic of Fenestration: Why Mature Pothos Get Holes
- 3 How to Get a Pothos with Holes: Your Fenestration Success Plan
- 4 Diagnosing Unwanted Holes: A Guide to Common Problems with Pothos with Holes
- 5 Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pothos Care
- 6 Your Journey with Pothos Awaits
Is It Really a Pothos with Holes? The Great Plant Mix-Up
First things first, let’s tackle the biggest source of confusion. The most common plant people refer to as a “pothos with holes” isn’t actually a pothos! This is a classic case of mistaken identity in the plant world, but don’t worry—we’ll get you sorted out.
The Famous Imposter: Monstera Adansonii
The plant you’re most likely thinking of is the Monstera adansonii, often called the “Swiss Cheese Vine.” While it shares a similar vining growth habit and relatively easy care needs with the pothos, it belongs to a different genus.
These plants are famous for their leaves, which are naturally full of beautiful, oval-shaped holes. This is their normal, healthy appearance from a very young age. If your plant came from the nursery with holes already in its leaves, you almost certainly have a wonderful Monstera adansonii on your hands!
Meet the Real “Pothos with Holes”: Mature Epipremnum
So, can a true pothos (genus Epipremnum) actually develop holes? Yes, it absolutely can! This process is called fenestration, and it’s a sign that your pothos is mature, happy, and living its best life.
Unlike the Monstera adansonii, a pothos will not have holes as a young plant. These splits and holes only develop as the plant ages and its leaves grow much, much larger. This typically only happens when the pothos is given ideal conditions, especially something to climb.
A few common pothos varieties that are known to fenestrate with maturity include:
- Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’: Famous for its silvery-blue leaves, this variety will develop deep splits along the central vein as it matures and climbs.
- Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Baltic Blue’: A newer variety with deep green leaves that also develops dramatic splits with age and height.
- Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos): Yes, even the classic Golden Pothos can fenestrate! In the wild or in a home with a very tall moss pole, its leaves can grow to be several feet wide and develop splits.
The Magic of Fenestration: Why Mature Pothos Get Holes
Seeing your pothos develop its first split is a truly rewarding moment. It’s a visual confirmation that you’re doing a fantastic job! But why does this happen? It’s not just for looks; fenestration serves a real purpose. This section of our pothos with holes guide explains the science behind the beauty.
What is Fenestration?
Fenestration is the botanical term for the natural holes and splits that develop in the leaves of some plant species. The word comes from the Latin fenestra, meaning “window.”
In their native tropical environments, pothos vines climb high up tree trunks to reach for sunlight. As they mature and climb, their leaves get bigger. These “windows” are an ingenious evolutionary adaptation to life in the rainforest canopy.
Benefits of Pothos with Holes
Why would a plant want holes in its leaves? It seems counterintuitive, but there are several key benefits:
- Better Light Exposure: The holes allow sunlight to pass through the upper leaves to reach the lower leaves on the vine, maximizing the plant’s overall energy production.
- Wind Resistance: On a tall tree, large leaves can act like sails in a storm. Fenestrations allow wind to pass through, reducing the risk of the leaves (and the vine) being torn off.
- Efficient Water Distribution: The splits help channel rainwater down the plant toward its root system on the forest floor and along the tree trunk.
How to Get a Pothos with Holes: Your Fenestration Success Plan
So, you want to see those gorgeous splits on your own pothos? It’s an achievable goal, but it requires patience and providing the right environment. This isn’t an overnight process; think of it as a long-term project. Here’s how to get a pothos with holes by encouraging maturity.
Give It Something to Climb: This is the most important step. Pothos have aerial roots that want to attach to a surface. Giving your plant a moss pole, coir pole, or wooden plank to climb signals it to start maturing. A hanging basket will keep the leaves small and juvenile forever.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light: To support the energy needed for large leaf growth, your pothos needs ample light. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet from a south- or west-facing window is ideal. Avoid direct, harsh sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Water Correctly: Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering is the number one killer of pothos, so it’s better to be a little too dry than a little too wet. Consistent watering prevents stress and supports steady growth.
Fertilize During the Growing Season: Feed your climbing pothos with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer. This provides the necessary nutrients to produce those big, beautiful leaves.
Be Patient: It can take several years of happy, upward growth for a pothos to begin fenestrating. Enjoy the journey and celebrate each new, larger leaf as a step in the right direction!
Diagnosing Unwanted Holes: A Guide to Common Problems with Pothos with Holes
What if the holes in your pothos don’t look like beautiful, natural splits? If you’re seeing small, ragged, or brown-edged holes, it’s likely a sign of a problem. Don’t panic! We can figure this out together. Here are the most common problems with pothos with holes.
Pest Patrol: The Usual Suspects
Tiny pests can cause significant damage that looks like holes or spots. Grab a magnifying glass and inspect the tops and undersides of the leaves.
- Thrips: These minuscule, slender insects scrape away at the leaf surface, leaving silvery patches and distorted new growth. The damaged spots can eventually turn into small, ragged holes.
- Spider Mites: Look for fine, spider-like webbing, especially where the leaf meets the stem. They cause tiny yellow or white dots (stippling) on the leaves, which can make the leaf weak and prone to tearing.
- Mealybugs: These look like tiny bits of white cotton. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop. Their feeding spots can create weak points that tear easily.
Fungal and Bacterial Issues
These often appear as spots that can rot away, leaving a hole behind. The main culprit here is almost always overwatering.
If you see yellow or brown spots on the leaves, especially if they have a yellow “halo” around them, you’re likely dealing with a leaf spot disease. Reduce your watering frequency immediately, ensure the pot has good drainage, and trim off the affected leaves with sterile scissors to prevent it from spreading.
Mechanical Damage: Life Happens!
Sometimes the answer is the simplest one. Could the plant have been bumped during a move? Did a curious pet or child play with a leaf? Was it damaged while you were dusting or watering?
Accidental rips and tears are very common. These holes usually have sharp, un-colored edges and don’t spread. While they might not look perfect, they are completely harmless to the overall health of your plant.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Pothos Care
Part of being a “Greeny Gardener” is caring for our plants in a way that’s kind to the planet. Embracing sustainable pothos with holes practices is easy and effective. These eco-friendly tips ensure your plant—and your home—is a healthy, happy space.
Eco-Friendly Pest Control
If you do find pests, skip the harsh chemical pesticides. Instead, opt for these gentler solutions:
- Neem Oil: A fantastic natural insecticide and fungicide. Mix as directed and spray on the leaves to deter and eliminate a wide range of pests.
- Insecticidal Soap: A safe, effective treatment for soft-bodied insects like aphids and mealybugs.
- A Simple Wipe-Down: For a minor infestation, simply wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol can remove the pests.
Sustainable Potting and Watering
Your choices in soil and water can also be more eco-friendly. When it’s time to repot, look for a peat-free potting mix. Peat moss is harvested from fragile bog ecosystems, and alternatives like coco coir are much more sustainable.
To conserve water, try bottom-watering. Place your pothos pot in a tray of water for 20-30 minutes and allow it to soak up water from the bottom. This ensures the roots get a deep drink without wasting water through runoff.
Propagating: The Ultimate Green Gift
One of the most wonderful—and sustainable—things about pothos is how easy they are to propagate. Instead of buying a new plant, you can simply take a cutting from your existing one to create more!
Just snip a piece of vine with at least 2-3 leaves and a node (the little brown bump where the leaf meets the stem). Place it in a jar of water, and within a few weeks, you’ll have a new rooted plant, ready to be potted up. It’s a fantastic, eco-friendly pothos with holes practice that lets you share your plant joy with friends and family.
Your Journey with Pothos Awaits
There you have it—everything you need to know about the fascinating world of the pothos with holes. We’ve untangled the common mix-up with Monstera adansonii, celebrated the beauty of natural fenestration, and armed you with the knowledge to troubleshoot any unwanted holes that appear.
Remember, a hole in a leaf is a piece of your plant’s story. It might be a sign of incredible maturity and happiness, or it might be a gentle nudge telling you to check for pests or adjust your watering can. Either way, you are now fully equipped to read the signs and respond with confidence.
Whether you’re encouraging your Cebu Blue to climb or nursing a Golden Pothos back to health, be patient and enjoy the process. Growing these resilient plants is one of the most rewarding parts of indoor gardening.
Happy growing!
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