Age
A young plant may produce only entire leaves for a considerable time.
Symptoms on popular plants
Why Monstera leaves have no holes
Young Monstera plants naturally make entire leaves. Fenestrations develop as the plant matures, has enough energy and is able to climb.
Light
A position that is too dark limits leaf size and mature growth.
Climbing
Contact with support helps the plant develop a more mature form.
More useful detail
How to narrow down the cause
What supports this cause
Progressively larger leaves on a supported plant in good light show that it is moving toward maturity.
What can look similar
Monstera deliciosa and adansonii have different typical hole patterns, so confirm the species.
Problem
What to do step by step
- 1
Provide bright filtered light and compare the size of each new leaf.
- 2
Add stable support and guide the stem without tying petioles tightly.
- 3
Keep care consistent instead of forcing growth with excess fertilizer.
Observation
What to watch next
- Each new leaf is larger.
- The stem climbs securely.
- The plant is not producing long empty internodes.
Important
Cutting holes into leaves or overfeeding will not create fenestrations. They are a feature of mature growth.
Florli
Related guides and features
Plant
Monstera care: watering, light and healthy leaves
Learn how to care for a Monstera, including when to water it, where to place it, how to support its growth and which leaf changes deserve attention.
Read the guide →
Guide
How to propagate Monstera
A Monstera cutting needs a node and healthy stem tissue. Learn where to cut, how to root it and when to pot it up.
Read the guide →
Feature
Plant care and garden planner
Florli brings plants, places, work history and weather into one focused list for today and the days ahead.
Read the guide →
Sources and further reading: NC State Extension — Monstera deliciosa
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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.