Young and newly purchased Monstera plants normally bear solid complete leaves. When mature, leaves usually develop holes and split naturally. These growth changes make monsteras unique plants.
At times the holes and splits will not come. Know how long it will take before your monstera starts to split its leaves and possible reasons why it occurs. Get an insight into what could make their leaves fail or not split and what you can do.
Monstera, Splits and Fenestrations
Monstera plants are native to rainforests of Central America that span from southern Mexico to Panama. They are tropical plants.
There are a handful of indoor varieties of these tropical plants. Most of them grow up to 7 feet. A few more varieties can grow 70 feet tall in their natural habitats.
Splits also called slits or the pinnate lobes in mostera leaves make the plants look gigantic. The holes, also called lobes or fenestrations form all over the blades. They can be small or large. They appear elongated or divide up the leaf blades. These holes make monsteras conspicuous too.
All young Monstera will have neither holes nor slits for about the first 10 months. 1 year-olds have heart-shaped with a glossy leaf appearance.
When Will Your Monstera Split Leaves?
If you purchased a young monstera in spring, you have to be patient for over two years or three.
Your monstera will not split all of its leaves at a go. The first few leaves get fenestrations after at least five to eight or so leaves have formed.
When they have reached about 3 years, with good care they should develop really giant leaf sizes. These leaves can have more (holes) fenestrations.
Do all monstera leaves split? No. Not every mature leaf will get to develop holes and slips. Some fail to have either of the natural features.
Why & How Do The Leaves Split?
Most recent study attempts have led to divided opinions over why the monstera leaves split. The march to uncover the real intriguing nature of monstera leaf splitting is on. However, the latest developments in research strongly suggest two crucial things:
One valid argument is the need to create more leaf surface exposure to enhance light absorption. As the new leaves grow, there is an increased need by the plant to trap light energy.
The other closely related explanation is that variegated cultivars will need more sunlight than darker green cultivars. Monstera with variegated leaves has shades of green: light green, green-yellow, and rarely white colors.
Will My Monstera Fail to Split?
Probable reasons for them not splitting include the following:
- Lack of sturdy support to protect the stems from breaking
- Low lighting may stress and deny your monstera resources for growth
- Incorrect watering
- Humidity and temperature problems
- Insufficient glucose to produce new leaves
Here are helpful signs that should help predict splitting failure.
- Monstera deliciosa leaves will tend to remain small. The petioles may grow longer.
- In many instances, the top 1/4 or 1/3 of topsoil remains wet even after allowing for time to dry out.
- Another sign is the Monstera plant leaning over to one side.
How to Get Them Split Leaves
Here is what you can do to get to see your monsteras split leaves.
1) Give More Light
Ensure you identify a location indoors where more indirect light gets filtered properly. If not the case, then move your plant to a corridor. Then place it in well-shielded positions from strong winds. Remember to bring it back inside when it starts to get cold (below 50 degrees F.) and darker.
Alternatively, if you prefer them to stay inside, invest in some grow light for them. When setting light, adjust such that the brightness you see is as close to daylight as possible.
2) Water Lightly
These plants don’t prefer wet, soggy soil or heavy watering. Simply allow 8 – 10 hours for soil to dry out before you water it again very lightly. If you prefer a well-timed routine, be patient, and check until 1/4 of the topsoil dries out.
3) Regulate Temperature Indoors
Cultivars grown indoors prefer an average warm temperature varying from 60-85 degrees Celsius. You can also mist-spray them with cool distilled, rain, or filtered water to increase humidity.
4) Fertilize as Required
Don’t get alluded to by feeding routines. Know when your plant needs to be fed with fertilizer. Monstera will likely grow new leaves during the spring and summer. So fertilize and feed them regularly during these times.
5) Remove Older Growths
To stimulate new foliage, prune your monstera in the spring or early summer. Use a sharp knife or a pair of disinfected scissors or shears.
6) Stake (Support) your Leggy Monstera
Staking those leggy ones means that they’re stress-free. Consequently, your houseplants have adequate time to use up resources. Light, nutrients and water for various functions.
Sources and References
- The Most Popular Monstera Varieties (and Which One Might Be Right For You). MONSTERA PLANT RESOUCE CENTER. https://monsteraplantresource.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-monstera-varieties/. Accessed online 1 November 2021