Discover the Top 7 Stunning Fenestrated Plants for Your Collection
Fenestrated plants, characterized by leaf holes or splits, exhibit unique leaf morphology and are highly sought after for their beauty and ability to drastically change as they continue to mature. There are several theories and several possibilities for why fenestration occurs, including adaptation to environmental conditions. The presence of leaf fenestration, such as those found in Monstera leaves, is believed to form for many different reasons, such as preventing foliage tear during intense weather, helping facilitate air flow, and to capture light better. Fenestrated leaves are an adaptation to the canopy environment of tropical rainforests, where small beams of sunlight filter through the dense foliage, and this adaptation helps with light absorption. The plant creates these holes or 'windows' in the leaves, also called perforated leaves or perforations, which may serve multiple purposes such as camouflage, resisting hurricane winds, and facilitating airflow. Christopher Muir of Indiana University proposed that fenestration is a key adaptation for maximizing light capture in the native tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Leaf fenestration is usually something that occurs as your houseplant matures, and many plant parents find enjoyment in getting these plant leaves to grow as many fenestrations as possible.
Types of Plants with Holey Leaves
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Adansonii, also known as the Swiss Cheese Vine, is a popular fenestrated plant known for producing smaller leaves with holes, especially in its early stage. These delicate, holey leaves are perfect for hanging baskets or training on trellises. Monstera Adansonii is sometimes confused with similar species due to its distinctive fenestrations.
Vining Monstera Adansonii growing Stella plant support by Treleaf
Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma
Rhaphidophoa Tetrasperma, also known as Mini Monstera, is a fast growing tropical houseplant with fenestrated leaves that resemble a smaller version of the Monstera deliciosa. While the vines can grow long, the leaves will remain a medium size. Making it perfect for smaller spaces and the perfect addition to a living wall!
Rare and Exotic Species
Monstera Epipremnoides ‘Esqueleto’
Monstera Esqueleto exhibits unique and evolving leaf patterns, making them a true treasure for plant enthusiasts. Its delicate, fenestrated leaves are often compared to those of the rare and coveted Monstera obliqua, which is highly sought-after among collectors for its intricate perforations. Think of a Swiss Cheese Plant, but bigger leaves and more holes.
Variegated Epipremnum Pinnatum
A fast growing vine known for dramatic leaf shape and eye catching coloration. It features longs, narrow leaves that develop deep splits.
Variegated Pinnatum growing on extendable cedar plank by Treleaf
Popular Choices for Beginners
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa is a popular and easy-to-care-for fenestrated plant that is perfect for beginners, making it a great choice for those new to plant parenthood. This plant can reach an impressive height indoors, and its mature leaves can grow several feet across, making it a striking addition to any collection.
Pothos species
If you didn’t know, Pothos leaves can grow splits and holes very similar to a Monstera deliciosa. These are called fenestrated leaves, and when the plant develops them, it is sometimes called a split leaf pothos. All you need to do is add it to a support, and with some patience, the leaves will slowly start to grow bigger and slowly start producing splits. Providing more light can encourage your Pothos to develop fenestrated leaves more readily. Want a Pothos thats easy to facilitate fenestration? Try the Baltic Blue Pothos. It’s great for beginners, as they are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions.
Philodendron Xanadu
Philodendron Xanadu, are known for their durability and ability to tolerate minor neglect, making them perfect for busy plant owners.
Caring for Plants with Fenestrated Leaves
Getting your plant to develop fenestrations can be a slow and frustrating process if it’s not set up for success. One of the most important factors is give your plant something solid to climb. Many fenestrating plants, like a Monstera, are natural climbers in the wild, and they use trees and rough surfaces to attach their aerial roots to support their upward growth. Without that vertical support, they can stay in their juvenile phase much longer, producing small, solid leaves with no splits.
By setting your plants up for success, many plant parents will use a moss pole. However, in my experience, moss poles require more maintenance than I’m willing to give and are very messy. Instead, I would recommend using a wooden plank, something like the Zella trellis by Treleaf. With the right amount of humidity, these planks can be extremely low maintenance. All you have to do is ensure the aerial roots are pressed firmly against the wood, by using plant velcro, and wait for the aerial roots to start to slowly attach. Once the plant realizes it’s supported and secure, it’ll start growing bigger and growing splits. It’s also crucial to use well-draining, fertile soil to promote healthy root and leaf development, as the right soil composition supports optimal growth and fenestration.
Mini Monstera growing on Zella wooden plant support by Treleaf
Some other things you can do to encourage healthy growth and facilitate fenestrated leaves, is to provide your plants with bright, indirect sunlight and maintain moderate humidity levels. Enough sunlight will ensure your plant is getting enough energy to produce new leaves and humidity will aide in leaf development and aerial root growth.
Fertilization, especially during the early stage of growth, should be apart of your monthly care routine. Regularly fertilizing your plants will help to promote healthy leaf development and encourage fenestration.
And also be houseplant pest conscious. Do a preventative treatment to your houseplants quarterly and know what and early outbreak of pests look like. Weather its spider mites, thrips, or aphids, in late stages of an outbreak, these pests can do serious damage to your plant or your entire collection! Be sure to closely inspect the leaves of your plants on a regular basis and act as soon as your see something suspicious!
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Fenestrated Leaf Plants
Fenestrated plants bring a bold, sculptural beauty to any indoor space, with their split leaves offering a glimpse into the fascinating ways pants adapt and evolve in nature. Weather you're drawn to the iconic Monstera deliciosa or the compact charm of a Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma, encouraging fenestration is all about mimicking the plants natural environment; bright, indirect light, consistent care, and most importantly, a sturdy support to climb. With a little patience and the right set up, those dramatic leaf splits will start to appear, rewarding your effort with a lush, jungle like display that feels both wild and intentional.
Treleaf has lots of options for supporting your plants. Visit treleaf.shop to look at all the possibilities.