Mechanical damage
It often matches a fold, rubbing point or a leaf that stuck while opening.
Houseplant problems
Holes in houseplant leaves
A hole does not always mean that something is eating the plant. Note whether the edge is fresh, dry, ragged or discoloured and whether similar damage is still appearing.
Feeding damage
Fresh irregular edges and droppings may indicate an active pest.
Dead tissue dropping out
A damaged spot can dry and fall away, leaving a hole with a discoloured margin.
More useful detail
How to narrow down the cause
What supports this cause
Fresh holes, live pests or new droppings point to an active issue. One old stable scar usually calls for observation only.
What can look similar
Natural Monstera fenestrations form in a regular pattern within healthy tissue rather than as ragged missing pieces.
Problem
What to do step by step
- 1
Photograph the current extent of the damage.
- 2
Inspect leaf undersides, the potting mix and contact points in daylight and after dark.
- 3
Remove the source of rubbing or isolate the plant if pests are present.
Observation
What to watch next
- New leaves open without missing tissue.
- The edges of existing holes stay dry and stable.
- No droppings or live insects appear.
Important
Do not remove every damaged leaf at once. A leaf can still support the plant when most of its surface remains healthy.
Sources and further reading: Royal Horticultural Society: leaf damage on houseplants
From advice to your own plan
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Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.Prepared by Florli. Reviewed October 15, 2026. This is general guidance. Sources are listed with each guide, and every decision should reflect the species, location, weather and the plant’s current condition. How Florli creates its guides.