What Are The Holes In Monstera Leaves Called – And How To Encourage

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever scrolled through Instagram and stopped dead in your tracks at a picture of a stunning Monstera deliciosa, its lush, green leaves full of those iconic, beautiful holes and splits? You look over at your own Monstera, which might still have solid, heart-shaped leaves, and wonder, “When will mine do that? And what are the holes in monstera leaves called, anyway?”

If that sounds familiar, you’re in the right place. It’s one of the most common questions we get here at Greeny Gardener, and it’s a sign that you’re an attentive plant parent ready to help your green friend thrive.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll not only know the official name for those gorgeous perforations but also understand exactly why they form. More importantly, you’ll have a complete, actionable plan to encourage your very own Monstera to develop its signature look. We’ll cover everything from the science behind the splits to a detailed care guide, troubleshooting common problems, and best practices for happy, healthy growth.

Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to those magnificent leaves!

So, What Are the Holes in Monstera Leaves Called? The Official Term

Let’s get the big question out of the way first. The beautiful holes and splits that develop in Monstera leaves have a scientific name: leaf fenestration. It comes from the Latin word fenestra, which means “window.” How perfect is that?

When you see these “windows” on your plant, it’s not a sign of damage or disease. On the contrary, it’s a sign that your Monstera is maturing and happy in its environment. It’s the plant’s natural, beautiful way of growing up.

Fenestrations typically appear in two forms:

  • Holes: These are the enclosed perforations that look like windows within the leaf blade.
  • Splits: These are cuts that run from the edge of the leaf inward, often not connecting to form a full hole, especially on younger mature leaves.

A healthy, maturing Monstera will develop a combination of both, creating the unique, tropical pattern that makes it the superstar of the houseplant world. Understanding this is the first step in our complete what are the holes in monstera leaves called guide.

The “Why” Behind the Holes: Nature’s Brilliant Design

Fenestration isn’t just for looks; it’s a brilliant evolutionary adaptation that helps the Monstera thrive in its native rainforest environment. Knowing the benefits of what are the holes in monstera leaves called helps us understand what our plants need from us.

Maximizing Light Capture

This might sound counterintuitive—how does having holes help with light? In the dense rainforest canopy, sunlight is dappled and scarce. Monstera plants are climbers, vining up tree trunks to reach for more light.

As they grow larger leaves, the fenestrations allow sunlight to pass through the upper leaves to reach the lower, older leaves. This ensures the entire plant can photosynthesize efficiently, not just the very top. It’s a clever, built-in energy-sharing system!

Surviving Heavy Rain and Wind

Imagine a giant, solid leaf in a tropical storm. It would act like a sail, catching wind and heavy rain, which could easily tear the leaf or even break the entire plant. The holes and splits allow wind and water to pass through harmlessly, reducing resistance and preventing damage.

It’s a perfect example of nature’s incredible engineering, making the plant more resilient and durable in its often-harsh environment.

A Sign of a Healthy, Mature Plant

For us plant parents, fenestration is the ultimate reward. It’s a clear visual cue that our Monstera is no longer a juvenile. It has reached a level of maturity and is receiving the right combination of light, water, and care to invest energy into creating these complex, beautiful leaves.

Your Ultimate Monstera Fenestration Care Guide

Alright, you know what they are and why they exist. Now for the most important part: how to what are the holes in monstera leaves called get them on your own plant! It all comes down to mimicking their natural habitat as closely as possible. Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds!

READ MORE  Is Monstera Deliciosa A Philodendron - Why This Common Mix-Up Affects

This is your complete what are the holes in monstera leaves called care guide, broken down into the most critical factors.

Light: The #1 Factor for Fenestration

If you remember only one thing from this article, let it be this: light is the primary trigger for fenestration. A Monstera in a low-light corner will survive, but it will likely never produce splits or holes. It simply doesn’t have the energy.

  • The Goal: Provide several hours of bright, indirect light every day. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south- or west-facing window, where the sun’s rays won’t scorch the leaves.
  • Pro Tip: If you see the leaves “reaching” or growing long, spindly stems, it’s a cry for more light. If you don’t have a naturally bright spot, a simple LED grow light can be a total game-changer.

Water: The Foundation of Healthy Growth

Consistent moisture is key, but soggy soil is the enemy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which will halt all new growth, including the fenestrated leaves you’re hoping for.

  • The Method: Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Let water run out of the drainage holes, then discard the excess. Never let your plant sit in a saucer of water.
  • Frequency: This will change with the seasons. You’ll likely water more in the spring and summer (the growing season) and less in the fall and winter. Always check the soil first!

Humidity & Temperature: Mimicking the Rainforest

Monstera are tropical plants that adore humidity. While they can tolerate average household humidity, giving them a boost will encourage lush, healthy foliage.

  • Easy Humidity Boosts: Group your Monstera with other plants, place it on a pebble tray with water, or run a small humidifier nearby. Misting is a temporary fix but can be a nice little treat for your plant.
  • Ideal Temps: They are happiest in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep them away from cold drafts, open windows in winter, and direct blasts from A/C or heating vents.

Soil & Feeding: The Right Nutrients for a Strong Plant

A well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mix is essential. Your Monstera needs fuel to produce those large, fenestrated leaves.

  • The Perfect Mix: Use a high-quality, chunky aroid mix. You can buy one pre-made or create your own by mixing standard potting soil with orchid bark and perlite. This provides aeration and prevents the soil from becoming compacted.
  • Fertilizing: Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer growing season. Hold off on fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Support: Why Giving Your Monstera Something to Climb is Crucial

This is the secret weapon many beginners overlook! In the wild, Monstera are climbers. Providing a moss pole, coir totem, or trellis gives them something to anchor their aerial roots into and encourages them to grow upward. This vertical growth signals to the plant that it is mature and stable enough to produce larger, fenestrated leaves. This is one of the most effective what are the holes in monstera leaves called tips I can give you.

Common Problems with What Are the Holes in Monstera Leaves Called (And How to Fix Them)

Sometimes, even with the best care, you might run into issues. Let’s troubleshoot some of the most common problems with what are the holes in monstera leaves called.

“My Monstera is Old Enough, But Still Has No Holes!”

This is almost always a light issue. Your plant is likely not getting enough energy to produce fenestrated leaves. Slowly acclimate it to a brighter location over a week or two to avoid shocking it. The second most likely culprit is a need for support—give it a pole to climb!

“Why Are My New Leaves Smaller and Without Splits?”

This can be a sign of a few things. It could be insufficient light, or it might be that the plant needs to be repotted into a slightly larger container with fresh soil. It could also indicate a need for fertilizer if it’s been a while since you last fed it during the growing season.

“The Edges of My Leaf Splits are Turning Brown.”

This is typically a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. The delicate edges of the splits are the first to show stress. Try boosting the humidity around your plant and ensure you are following a consistent watering routine based on soil dryness.

READ MORE  Monstera ‘Thai Constellation’ – The Ultimate Care Guide For Lush

“Pests are Making Holes! Are These Fenestrations?”

No! Pest damage looks very different from natural fenestration. Holes from pests like thrips or spider mites will be random, often surrounded by yellowing or brown spots, and look ragged. Natural fenestrations are symmetrical, have smooth edges, and appear on new leaves as they unfurl.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Monstera Care Best Practices

Being a great gardener also means being a steward of the environment. Adopting sustainable what are the holes in monstera leaves called practices is easy and effective.

Eco-Friendly Pest Control

Instead of reaching for harsh chemical pesticides, start with gentle, eco-friendly what are the holes in monstera leaves called solutions. A simple spray of insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage most common houseplant pests effectively and safely.

Sustainable Watering Habits

Conserve water by bottom-watering your Monstera. Place the pot in a tray of water for 20-30 minutes and allow it to soak up what it needs from the bottom. You can also collect rainwater to use for your houseplants—it’s free of the chlorine and minerals often found in tap water.

Choosing Peat-Free Potting Mixes

Peat moss harvesting is environmentally destructive to vital peat bog ecosystems. Look for or create potting mixes that use sustainable alternatives like coco coir, which provides similar benefits of moisture retention and aeration without the environmental cost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monstera Leaf Holes

At what age will my Monstera get holes?

There’s no exact timeline, as it depends entirely on growing conditions, especially light. However, a well-cared-for Monstera deliciosa will typically start producing its first fenestrated leaves when it’s about 2-3 years old and has produced a good number of juvenile leaves.

Can I make holes in the leaves myself?

Please don’t! Cutting a leaf will only damage it and create an open wound that can invite infection. The plant will not “heal” the cut into a natural-looking fenestration. Patience is the key!

Do all types of Monstera get holes?

Not all of them. While the famous Monstera deliciosa and Monstera adansonii are known for their fenestrations, some species in the Monstera family, like the Monstera standleyana, typically do not develop holes. Always research your specific variety!

If I cut off a leaf without holes, will a new one with holes grow back?

Not necessarily. Removing a healthy leaf doesn’t trigger fenestration. The plant produces new leaves from its newest growth point (the node), and whether that new leaf has holes depends on the plant’s maturity and its current growing conditions, not on what you pruned off.

Your Journey to Fenestration Awaits!

So, there you have it! The iconic holes are called fenestrations, and they are a beautiful sign of a happy, mature plant that is thriving under your care. It’s not a secret trick or a magic formula—it’s about providing consistent, thoughtful care that mimics the plant’s natural home.

Remember the key takeaways: provide plenty of bright, indirect light, give it something to climb, water consistently, and be patient. Watching a new leaf slowly unfurl to reveal its very first split or hole is one of the most rewarding moments in a plant parent’s journey.

Now you have the knowledge and the confidence to make it happen. Go forth and grow those gorgeous, holey leaves!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts