why does my monstera have no holes in its leaves?

two reasons only: the plant is still juvenile (fenestrations start around year two or three), or it isn't getting enough light. fertilizer doesn't create holes, and existing leaves never split retroactively — judge by each new leaf. full breakdown in the fenestration guide.

how often should i water a monstera?

when the top 3–5cm of soil is dry — roughly weekly in summer, every two weeks or less in winter. it forgives a missed week far better than a doubled one.

does a monstera need a moss pole?

not required, but it genuinely helps: monsteras are climbers, and vertical support triggers the mature growth habit — bigger leaves with more splits. combined with good light, it's the honest 'hack'.

how big does a monstera get indoors?

big. two to three meters wide and tall over a few years in a good spot — 'renegotiating your living room' big. you can keep it smaller by pruning, and every cutting is a free new plant.

← the journal/review · 5 jun 2026 · last updated 1 jul 2026

monstera: big, dramatic, worth it

monstera — Monstera deliciosa

the short answer

monstera deliciosa is beginner-safe drama: fast-growing, forgiving, and genuinely impressive. give it bright indirect light and water when the top 3–5cm of soil is dry (roughly weekly in summer). new leaves without holes are the classic complaint — that's a light problem, not a feeding problem.

monstera (Monstera deliciosa) — new leaf week. we celebrate everything here.

buy again

8/10

beginner-safe drama. the good kind.

why it works

monsteras grow fast enough that you actually see progress — a new leaf unfurling is genuinely exciting, and the holes (fenestrations, if you want to impress no one at parties) only come with maturity and decent light. it's a plant that rewards you for paying attention without punishing you for forgetting.

the two points off

one: it gets big. like, 'renegotiating your living room' big. two: without enough light you get small, hole-less leaves on long sad stems, and everyone on planttok will diagnose it instantly. give it a bright spot and a moss pole and it's the easiest impressive plant there is.

people keep asking…

why does my monstera have no holes in its leaves?: two reasons only: the plant is still juvenile (fenestrations start around year two or three), or it isn't getting enough light. fertilizer doesn't create holes, and existing leaves never split retroactively — judge by each new leaf. full breakdown in the fenestration guide.
how often should i water a monstera?: when the top 3–5cm of soil is dry — roughly weekly in summer, every two weeks or less in winter. it forgives a missed week far better than a doubled one.
does a monstera need a moss pole?: not required, but it genuinely helps: monsteras are climbers, and vertical support triggers the mature growth habit — bigger leaves with more splits. combined with good light, it's the honest 'hack'.
how big does a monstera get indoors?: big. two to three meters wide and tall over a few years in a good spot — 'renegotiating your living room' big. you can keep it smaller by pruning, and every cutting is a free new plant.

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