If you’re like us, you love Monstera plants! Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also very easy to care for. One question that a lot of people have about Monstera plants is when do the leaves split?
You’ve just added a monstera deliciosa to your indoor garden and you’re finally starting to see that new monstera leaf developing after all the time you have spent caring for it. However, the problem is that the new and existing leaves have just a few holes or cracks (fenestrations) on them. So, when does a monstera leaf split?
The lifespan of a Monstera leaf is approximately 2 to 3 years. The leaves of young monsteras will be solid, heart-shaped, and thin, so if your monstera has yet to acquire the typical perforations, you just need to be patient and give your plant more time.
In this article, we will discuss the answer to that question and give some tips on how to care for a Split Leaf Monstera plant.
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When do monstera leaves split?
The answer varies depending on the size of your plant and how old it is. For example, if you have a baby monstera that’s only about six months old, then its leaves won’t split for at least another year or so unless it gets too much light/water exposure which can damage them (so make sure not to do this).
If your monstera leaves don’t split from the beginning, don’t worry. They usually split as they develop or mature. The fenestrated leaf splitting is caused by the evolutionary process’s remarkable adaptations.
Monstera plants are native to southern Mexico and have tall, densely leafed trees. Monsteras grown in their natural environment can reach heights of up to 8 feet, whereas domestic monsters can reach as much as 12 feet tall.
How long does it take for a leaf to split?
It takes between one month and four years for a Monstera deliciosa leaf to develop into an adult perforated form from germination. A typical time frame would be around two years though some plants will grow faster than others based on their environment such as temperature level during dormancy periods when growth slows down significantly due to colder temperatures.
Want to learn how to propagate monstera? Have a read of an article I wrote that will help you understand more.
What should you do if your Monstera leaf splits?
If your plant is young, then it’s best to just leave the leaves alone and they will eventually grow back together. If the split is more than halfway up the leaf, then you can carefully tape or glue them back together using a non-toxic adhesive. Be very careful with this though as you don’t want to damage the plant any further.
Monstera plants, sometimes known as “tree tomatoes,” are native to southern Mexico and grow tall, dense leaves. Monsteras that develop in the wild can reach heights of up to 8 feet tall, whereas those grown domestically may reach over 8 feet in height.
What causes monstera to split?
There are four primary causes of monstera leaves splitting as they develop:
1. The leaves on ‘Monstera' have split, allowing sunlight to pass-through
This is a natural process that helps to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and lanky and allows for even light distribution throughout all the leaves of the plant.
As the monstera grows and its densely packed leaves expand, it becomes more difficult for the lower-lying leaves to receive enough sunlight for healthy development, as the bigger leaves near the top of the plant provide a natural canopy.
Because the massive leaves of mature monstera plants may block suitable light for lower leaves, they begin to break in order to enable light to pass through from higher levels of the plant.
2. Why may younger monstera leaves not be split?
Your Monstera might be too young for its leaves to start splitting. It’s common for the first few months or years of growth that your plant has no holes in its leaves and they stay solid green without any perforations. This is normal, don’t worry! The best thing you can do during this time is to take care of them as usual.
If after three years there are still no splits on a monstera leaf, it may mean something else is going wrong with your plant – such as not enough light exposure (which causes stunted growth), improper watering habits causing root rot from excess water accumulation under soil level where roots grow into the soil but cannot access nutrients due to lack of oxygenation at their base location around moisture content levels), or even just being left outdoors too long without protection from frost.
Your baby monstera plant will not have any holes in them until it grows more mature, such as after two or three years.
3. The leaves are split in order to allow for proper drainage
This is a natural process that helps to prevent the plant from becoming too tall and lanky and allows for even light distribution throughout all the leaves of the plant.
As the monstera grows and its densely packed leaves expand, it becomes more difficult for the lower-lying leaves to receive enough sunlight for healthy development, as the bigger leaves near the top of the plant provide a natural canopy.
Because the massive leaves of mature monstera plants may block suitable light for lower leaves, they begin to break in order to enable light to pass through from higher levels of the plant.
Want to understand why monstera leaves split? Have a read of an article I wrote that covers this in-depth
4. Air can flow through the leaves of a Monstera plant
If your monstera leaves are not split, they would be like parachutes for the wind. As a result, in strong winds, the leaves may be ripped off.
The split leaves provide a way for air to flow through them, enabling the monstera plant to remain upright in strong winds. They also allow light and water vapour from rain showers or humidity levels indoors that are higher than normal during humid seasons (if you live near an ocean).
The split leaves are perforated, allowing wind to pass through freely without causing significant damage.
Why won’t my monstera leaves split?
There are a few reasons why your Monstera leaves might not split as they grow. The most common reason is that the plant may be too young, and its leaves have not grown large enough yet to start splitting.
The split leaves must reach a width of more than a regular plant leaf (typically around 5 or 6 inches for the biggest, unsplit leaves) before the advantages of a split leaf are required.
Why do some monstera leaves split and others don’t?
Some parts of a Monstera plant may be exposed more to sunlight than other areas where they grow, which means that you will notice these holes appearing on one side first before any other side as well.
It’s possible for new growths not yet fully developed when planted outside in full sun all day long every day (which causes stunted growth), improper watering habits causing root rot from excess water accumulation under soil level where roots go down with no way out except through evaporation above the soil surface, or just being left outdoors too long without protection from frost to develop splits on their split leaves.
What methods may be used to encourage Monstera growth?
Monstera plants can grow in a variety of settings, but they will mature faster if the conditions are comparable to their natural environment. The 3 most rapid methods to split monstera leaves are:
Sunlight
- They are used to being in environments where a hot sun is shining on densely packed vegetation since they are native to Mexican rainforests.
- The soil must be kept moist, but not soggy. If the soil gets too dry, the plant’s growth will be stunted while excessive exposure to direct light might burn the leaves.
- Place your monstera in a north-facing windowsill or behind a transparent curt
Watering
- This happens approximately once every two weeks.
- Overwatering is one of the most common blunders made by plant owners of all sorts, as too much water slows monstera growth and causes the leaves to become yellow.
Fertilizing
- They also need a decent ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- If you are dissatisfied with the development of your monstera, give it a fertilizer containing these elements once a month to ensure that it grows properly.
Humidity levels
- This is because they come from a warmer climate where the air is constantly moist.
- If you live in an area with low humidity, you can increase the level by placing your plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water. The evaporation will create a humid environment for your monstera to thrive in.
What causes a monstera to produce new leaves?
A monstera plant’s leaves will sprout every four to six weeks, on average. However, as the plant grows older, it will produce new leaves more frequently. Monstera plants grow upward on vines, which form new growth points, known as nodes, as the vine expands. These nodes contain cells that are required for leaf development as well as the formation of new stems.
As a plant’s stem grows, new nodes are formed, resulting in the formation of more stems and leaves. Don’t be concerned if you notice your new leaf folding up. It’s critical that you provide your plant with the proper environment. Before your leaf unfurls, the windows will form.
I wrote an article about why variegated monstera is expensive – feel free to give it a read if you want to have more of an understanding.
What factors influence monstera growth?
While monstera plants can live in a variety of conditions, it’s best to try and replicate their natural habitat while growing them. While you don’t want to turn your home into a tropical paradise, creating an atmosphere that will help monsteras thrive in your home is actually rather simple. Let’s have a look at these ideas:
The key ingredient to a healthy monstera is plenty of bright, indirect sunshine.
Place your plant near a window, but make sure it doesn’t get too much direct light.
Do not water your plants too frequently
Surprisingly, little water reaches the forest floor, even in rainforests. As a result, provide your monstera with only 1 to 2 weeks of watering each month as the dirt dries out.
Use fertilizer to fertilize the soil
Once a month, add fertilizer that includes magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to your soil.
What factors should you consider when determining if your monstera is healthy?
Look for holes in the leaves to determine if a monstera is healthy. You can be confident that a mature monstera is developing consistently and maturing as expected if there are holes in its leaves.
If, on the other hand, the plant is still too young to form gaps in its leaves, there are a few more indications that your monstera is content in its surroundings:
- A healthy monstera plant should have dark green leaves. They should also have a bright sheen. It’s an indication that you need to modify your maintenance strategy if the leaves turn brown or yellow, are dull or crunchy.
- A healthy monstera should see its leaves progressively expand. Even in plants that are still too young to split the leaves, this is the case. To verify that development has not halted, check on a few leaves every week.
- As new stems develop, the monstera plant should grow both vertically and horizontally. In addition, be on the lookout for new leaf growth.
People also ask
What does the Monstera leaf represent?
The Monstera leaf is often associated with growth, change and new beginnings. It can also symbolize the process of unfolding one’s potential.
Why are monstera leaves so popular?
Monstera leaves are popular because of their variation in shape, size and colour. They’re also a very hardy plant that can be easy to care for with the right instructions.
What is the best way to prune a monstera?
The best way to prune a Monstera is by cutting off the stem at any point below a node. Make sure you use sharp scissors or clippers so as not to damage the stem. Cut just above a leaf node, making sure there’s at least one healthy leaf left on the stem. This will help ensure proper healing and regrowth.
Is Monstera a lucky plant?
In China, Monstera is associated with long life and honouring elders and respected people. Monstera is utilized in Feng Shui (a kind of Oriental acupuncture for your home) to promote happiness or stimulate large aspirations.
When to repot monstera
Every two years, a Monstera deliciosa should be repotted, preferably in the spring when it enters its active growing season. Overgrown roots, a lack of new growth, and poor water retention are all indicators that the plant must be transplanted sooner.
Why is my monstera turning yellow?
Under-watering and overwatering can damage Monstera plant leaves, which turn yellow as a result of improper watering. If the leaves are dry and brittle, it’s probable that they’re dying due to underwatering.
Why are my monstera leaves curling?
Curling leaves on monsteras are usually the result of underwatering. Your plant will wilt and its leaves will curl inwards if you don’t water it regularly. This can also be caused by overwatering, which makes it difficult for the plant to absorb nutrients from the soil.
Why do my monstera leaves have brown spots?
The Monstera deliciosa has brown or yellow spots when exposed to excessive heat or sunlight. These marks may appear as a blackened edge or tip with an otherwise healthy leaf… If these markings are severe and accompanied by other symptoms, they could indicate root rot.
