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Monstera not looking as dramatic as you thought it would be because the classic holes aren’t really visible? Don’t worry, try these tricks!
Brought home a monstera for its iconic leaves, but are you just left with one perfectly healthy, completely solid leaf, and then another with no drama, splits, or holes? We’ve been there. And trust us, it is not unhealthy. Let us explain.
Ready to help your Monstera grow bigger, healthier leaves? Explore our Amazon Gardening Storefront for grow lights, Monstera potting mixes, moss poles, plant ties, moisture meters, pots, pruning tools, and other houseplant-care essentials.
Why Is My Monstera Growing Leaves Without Holes?
Your Monstera Might Be Young
Young Monsteras would naturally produce smaller, heart-shaped leaves without fenestrations. As the plant grows, its leaves become larger and gradually develop splits and internal holes.
This developmental change is called heteroblasty. In this process, the plant changes the shape and structure of its leaves as it grows from its juvenile to mature stage.
So if your monstera is small, it might just not be ready yet. And do not keep looking for a magic fertilizer; there isn’t any. Rather, we should respect its pace.
Give your growing Monstera a healthy foundation with a well-draining indoor potting mix that supports strong roots and healthy foliage.
It May Not Be Getting Enough Light
This might be the biggest reason why your monstera is producing plain leaves.
Monstera naturally grows in tropical forests where they climb towards brighter areas. In a dim indoor corner, your plant may survive perfectly well but continue producing smaller and simpler leaves. Bright indirect light encourages stronger growth and the development of mature foliage.
Not getting enough natural light indoors? A full-spectrum grow light can provide consistent supplemental lighting and help your Monstera maintain healthier, stronger growth.
Place it near a bright window where it receives plenty of filtered light. Avoid exposing it to harsh, direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
Your Monstera Wants To Climb
So, originally, it is a climbing plant. And in its natural habitat, it uses aerial roots to attach itself to tree trunks and climb upward. Providing a moss pole, coir pole, trellis, or another sturdy support allows it to grow in a more natural vertical direction.
A monstera growing sideways across your shelf may look beautiful, but a supported, climbing plant is more likely to develop the larger, mature leaves you are waiting for.
Ready to help your Monstera grow upward? A sturdy moss pole gives climbing stems something to attach to while supporting larger, more mature foliage.
You Can’t Make An Existing Leaf Develop Holes
Hear us out.
Fenestrations develop while the leaf is forming, before it fully unfurls. Once a leaf has opened as a smooth, solid blade, improving its care won’t suddenly create natural holes in it. So don’t judge your plant by its older leaves. But watch how the next leaf grows.
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Holes Are Not The Same As Leaf Damage
Natural monstera fenestrations usually have smooth, intentional-looking edges and appear as part of the developing leaf. Random holes appearing after the leaf has already opened are different, and this may indicate physical damage or pest infestation.
So if your plant has no holes at all, do not automatically assume something is wrong. But if the previous healthy leaves develop holes, then we have an inspection to do.
Want to become more confident with Monstera care? Explore gardening and houseplant books covering lighting, watering, soil, propagation, pruning, climbing plants, pests, and other essentials for growing healthy indoor plants.
Take care of your monstera and try these tips and tricks to see if it grows to have beautiful fenestrations. Be gentle, and be patient. And let us know if any of these tips helped your little buddy grow adorably.
