How to Help Your Monstera Grow Those Iconic Swiss Cheese Holes Without Buying Expensive Fertilisers

February 3, 2026

Some gardeners on Pinterest swear by Neutrog fertiliser—the secret behind their glossy Monstera leaves with perfect holes. But why does yours still look like a big green paddle?

Even if you’ve watered, fed, and doted on your Monstera like a proud plant parent, those famous ‘Swiss cheese’ holes can take their sweet time to appear. It’s not a failure. It’s plant biology meeting real-life conditions—and that’s where most of us get tripped up.

The beauty of a holey leaf

Monsteras—officially Monstera deliciosa—are rainforest climbers from Central America. In the wild, they start life on the shady forest floor, then climb toward light using their aerial roots. Their leaves develop holes (called fenestrations) only once they’re mature enough to reach better light. It’s like the plant’s version of earning its stripes.

Here’s the shift: indoor, younger Monsteras often stay in their juvenile form for months—smooth, whole leaves—until the conditions whisper, “You’ve made it.” More light, room to grow, and steady feeding create that cue.

Light makes or breaks the pattern

Most Monsteras that don’t form holes are simply missing light. Bright, indirect sunlight tells your plant it’s grown tall enough to spread its wings—literally. Too little light and it keeps making small, solid leaves to survive; too much harsh light scorches the foliage.

“Think dappled morning sun—not a midday burn. If you wouldn’t sit there for lunch, your Monstera won’t like it either.” — Candeece Gardener

Try positioning your plant about a metre back from a north or east-facing window. In darker homes, even a quiet corner can be lifted with a mirror or light-coloured backdrop that bounces sunlight toward those green beauties.

Support systems matter too

In nature, Monsteras climb trees. Indoors, they rely on us for structure. Adding a coir pole or sturdy stake helps it stand tall and send energy upward, just as it would in the forest. Taller plants often start forming holes faster. A bit of contrast and replacement here: what used to take a year in the corner can happen in months once it’s got something to climb.

Gently tie the stems with soft twine or plant ties to keep them upright and prevent drooping. You’ll start noticing new leaves appear larger, tougher, and occasionally, full of character—the proof of maturity.

Feeding and watering for holey success

Monsteras are light feeders but consistent ones. Using a balanced fertiliser such as Brunnings every 4–6 weeks during the warmer months keeps nutrients steady. Go easy in winter when growth slows down.

When watering, think rhythm—not routine. Push a finger into the top few centimetres of soil. If it feels dry, it’s time. If it’s still moist, wait. Overwatering is one of the quickest ways to smother roots and invite yellow spots instead of holes.

Humidity and warmth—the rainforest vibe

For the full effect, try to mimic the tropics a little. Monsteras love humidity above 50%. That might sound fancy, but a light mist, a grouping of houseplants, or even a small bowl of water nearby can raise the moisture around the leaves. Avoid draughts and icy windows in winter.

Growth slows once the thermometer dips below 18°C. If your Monstera lives outdoors on a veranda, bring it in before the chill sets in.

Why some never get holes at all

Every plant has its personality. Some varieties, like Monstera adansonii or Monstera sp. Peru, are naturally more or less holey. Others have been selectively bred for compact size, meaning fewer splits. And sometimes, patience is the only ingredient missing—it can take a year or more before a juvenile plant matures enough to change its leaf shape.

Think of it like a graduation. The holes appear when your Monstera has learned to balance its environment, roots, and light—almost like those first successful steps after learning to walk.

One gardener’s quiet victory

A local customer once told me she nearly gave up on her Monstera after a full year of solid leaves. We moved it into brighter light, added a coir pole, and swapped to a richer soil blend. Six months later, one sunny morning, she found a new leaf unfurling with two neat tears. She texted a photo that said it all: “She’s growing up.”

The lesson in the leaves

The holes aren’t just decoration—they’re a sign of maturity, strength, and adaptation. Monsteras don’t rush. Neither should we. Growth, both in plants and people, comes from finding the right balance between support, nourishment, and patience.

“When your Monstera feels at home, it shows you—one perfect hole at a time.” — Candeece Gardener

So if yours still looks smooth and young, don’t worry. Give it good light, a strong stake, a slow feed, and time. Those famous holes are already waiting—they just need the right season to appear.

Happy growing,
Candeece Gardener

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