If you’ve wandered into our houseplant section lately, you might have spotted the stunning Monstera obliqua with its delicate, hole-filled leaves. But here’s the question everyone asks: Why the holes?
These gaps, called fenestrations, might look purely decorative, but in nature they have a purpose:
1. Letting the light shine through
Monsteras grow in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. The holes let sunlight filter through to the leaves below, making sure the whole plant gets a share of that much-needed light.
2. Standing up to storms
Big leaves are vulnerable to heavy rain and strong winds. With holes, rain can flow through, and the wind has less surface to push against – helping the leaves survive the wild weather.
3. Energy saving
By creating leaves with holes, the plant can grow bigger, faster, and with fewer resources. Clever and beautiful!
Of course, here in the UK your Monstera isn’t battling tropical storms – but those holes remain its trademark look, giving your home a little taste of the rainforest while being a real conversation starter.
Pick one up from our houseplant section and bring a bit of exotic charm indoors!