I have a problem with my Monstera fenestration. I’ve had these plants since March 2024, freshly planted, they were already at least a year old then (5th photo). Since then, they’ve been growing in this planter inside my home. I was away for about a year, so from October 2024, they were only watered weekly without any other care. For more than a year, there was no new growth in terms of leaves or height (6th photo shows what I saw upon my return, there were some Calantheas as well, but they died tragically).
I’ve been back and caring for them for four months now. They have grown rapidly and seem to be growing a lot of aerial roots as well, but the new leaves look sad and small, with no fenestration whatsoever when they emerge, though I think they split slightly after getting bigger and stiffer. Is there anything I can do to get the holes back? Previously, they were producing leaves with double rows of fenestration, but I had to cut about 40% of the plant off because it was in very poor condition.
Environment Info:
Location: Central Europe
Windows:
East: Roof window window directly over the planter
West: 5m x 2.5m
North: 2m x 3m and 2m x 1.5m
Placement: The planter is located 3-4 meters from all windows
Additional light: 3 lightbulbs and 10m of LED grow lights (totaling 17,500 lumens) running for 10 hours daily. They receive 6 hours of total darkness at night, the rest of the day is just what gets through the windows.
Maintenance: I water every two weeks (or as needed to maintain ~60% soil moisture), mist every few days, and use a liquid nitrogen fertilizer approximately every 3 weeks.
Is there anything I can do to make them grow bigger, more fenestrated leaves?
by No-Net-3771
9 Comments
They need more light. Monsteras can live outside and thrive under direct sunlight, you are just not giving them enough.
Light is the only factor. If they aren’t fenestrating it is directly related to light, give them much much more. Lumens are not relevant you need to be measuring FC or lux at the leaves.
From what I’ve seen they don’t start getting fenestrations generally until a few years old. That’s not to say they won’t earlier under optimal conditions.
Light, humidity, and climbing help. These thrive under the brightest light they can get (full outdoor sun). It is possible they aren’t receiving what they need. Remember, even if there’s sun visible through a window, it is filtered by the glass. You may want to try having the grow lights on 12-16 hours a day and/or stronger/closer lights. They also love humidity. Mine are between 60-75%. They can tolerate lower, but they prefer higher.
Fertilizers and/or plant food help tremendously as well. I’ve had really good results from happyhappyhouseplant plant food every watering, but there are so many out there
There’s a lot of factors involved. Mine began at 2 years after purchase when they were no more than 10 inches tall. Mine get very little direct light. They are on a South facing porch completely in the shadow of a huge oak tree. They have no issues other than it’s time to make separation decisions, put them on a pole or two and I am procrastinating on that.
I wouldn’t worry about it. No pests and healthy. All the joy!
[deleted]
It needs more light & support. The poles aren’t going to help because they’re not actually providing the plant any support.
Well. I’ve learned a lot from your post, so thanks! lol
That’s a BIG planter for so little plants and with no regular sunlight or sufficient enough replacement of an outside environment. You could water less frequently especially because theres a lot of soil and not a lot of light- the balance would be to water that way less- or increase light/decrease soil.
I would definitely just invest in a bunch of grow lights. I just got some Barrina ones I definitely recommend!! Just be sure to get good ones that people recommend, like just don’t cheap out because you’ll end up paying more than you could’ve, and the right types for your space and yk thank about where you want the lights to sit and face- all those details so you can be sure it will look how you want.
I’m going to deviate from the light issue because it’s been so well covered in this thread. Something else that will help is some moss in those poles. Giving your plant the ability to root into the pole will pay dividends in terms of both size and fenestration.