The splits or holes on the Monstera plant are called fenestrations and they’re the signature feature of these plants. When the plants are still young, their heart-shaped leaves are intact.
The deed of nourishing a young plant from the very beginning is a fulfilling experience. You can witness your monstera plants grow and develop fissures and splits.
I know I’ve been a bit heavy on the Monstera content recently, but it’s for a few reasons:
- They’re awesome plants for beginners
- People like Monstera content
- I want a big-ass Monstera with leaves the size of dinner plates
Fenestrations appear only later when the plant and its leaves start to mature. It’s difficult to narrow down the exact time when the leaves on your monstera will split. But one thing is certain — it won’t happen before 2 or 3 years of age.
Therefore, you must be patient and while you wait for leaves to split, do what you can to take good care of your monstera plant.
Why do monstera leaves split?
Many facts explain this splitting of monstera. The splitting of leaves is a very unique character. As a gardener, you must know about this phenomenon and its benefits of it also.
Fenestration helps the plants in growing stronger and bigger. Whenever mosntera plants start splitting it is useful for them as they climb onto the trunks.
Here is why mosntera leaves start splitting:
Monstera split leaves cause the sun to let through them
Most of the monster plants live in tropical areas where they receive a little amount of sunlight. Most botanists have concluded that Monstera split so that light can reach the lower leaves as well. In tropical areas, there is a little amount of sunlight reaching the leaves, therefore leaves grow more and more to consume the sunlight for their growth. Hence they grow more and more in size to reach toward the sunlight and use more energy to bear their immersive size.
The splitting of leaves allows the Wind to pass through them
Monstera is a type of invasive species in many regions, therefore this quality makes them adaptable to many regions as well. They usually cannot withstand such an environment but the holes and split make them face this situation and face the windy areas as well.
The mosntera split leaves allow the air to pass through them without causing the mosntera to bend down. This is useful in windy areas where there is a natural blow of air.
Split leaves create a drainage system
Mosntera is native to rainforest areas where it rains always. Excessive exposure to wet soil can lead to root rot and bacteria infection. Despite no need for excessive water, monstera leaves still stay in the water and suffer no infection or root rot due to the splitting of leaves.
Split leaves allow the excess water to pass through them without causing persistent exposure to water. It also causes the water to move through the roots.
When do monsters start to split leaves?
There is an age when monstera starts splitting their leaves. They do so at the age of 2-3 years. Before splitting of leaves they look like heart-shaped leaves.
If your monstera has reached the age of 3 years and still not splitting then don’t panic. They split their leaves when they become mature. Some species become mature at the age of 3 years and some after this. Therefore it is not to be worried that they are not splitting their leaves. As soon they become mature, you will start noticing the splitting phenomenon.
Monstera plants are native to Southern Mexico, therefore are known for their tall and densely leaves plants. They grow according to their surroundings and environment. Domestic monstera can grow up to 8 feet tall while others growing in the natural environment can exceed this figure also.
Why monstera leaves are not splitting? (Reasons)
If you are worried that your monstera leaves are not splitting, there must be a problem causing this. Let’s take a look at these problems causing the monstera to not split.
- Mosntera like indirect, bright sunlight. It might be possible that monstera is not receiving enough sunlight or too much direct sunlight.
- These plants also like a proper supply of nutrients for the splitting of leaves. So whenever the plants are not receiving enough nutrients, their growth will also stop as well.
- Monstera is native to rainforest areas where they receive a constant supply of water. If they are not receiving enough supply of water and remain underwater, there their growth is also stunted.
- You may often repot your plants that can cause them injury. Plants are too sensitive to touch therefore repotting sometimes can cause wear and tear to your monstera. Therefore they stop the splitting of leaves.
How can you enhance monstera growth?
Monstera is such a species that can withstand neglect and can grow in a number of environments. But monstera growing in the natural environment can make faster growth as compared to other environments.
But if you want your monstera to grow or split faster then just do follow these instructions and take a fastly splitting monstera:
Sunlight: Monstera loves a bright, indirect exposure
- They are native to Southern Mexico. Monstera mostly grows in rainforest areas where that used to have shining and bright sunlight over packed and dense foliage.
- Too much exposure to sunlight or bright direct sunlight can cause the burning of leaves. If your monstera is exposed to sunlight for a longer time then it might be possible that they look like burnt leaves and also the yellowing of leaves.
- Therefore try to avoid too long or direct exposure to sunlight. Keep your monstera at a place where there is indirect sunlight is facing toward the monstera. Place the monstera near a north-facing window or cover the window with a sheer curtain so that they will receive filtered sunlight.
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Water: Monstera is usually native to rainforest areas and therefore needs a constant supply of water when the soil dries up completely.
- Monstera leaves need water supply when the soil completely dries up. This usually occurs after 1 to 2 weeks.
- Overwatering is a common issue that new plants face. Too much water can lead to the wilting of leaves. Yellowing of leaves is the most common phenomenon occurring after overwatering. Root rot is also a serious issue occurring after overwatering your plant.
Fertilization: Monstera plants live in an environment that is high in nutrients
- If you are worried about your monstera growth then take a look at the nutrients supply of your plants. Mosntera is like an environment that is rich in magnesium.
- They also grow fast in soil having enough supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Therefore provide your plants a dose of nutrients after every month.
One Last Thing!
Monstera splitting of leaves is a natural phenomenon. This occurs when the monstera becomes mature or reaches the age of 2 to 3 years. If your monstera has reached the age of 3 years and still not splitting the leaves then it might be some problem causing this. All the problems and their solutions have been discussed in this blog. After reading this you will be able to treat your monstera according to its requirements.
For more information must read our other article like Do monster like humidity?