If you’re a plant parent, you may have encountered the issue of wet or “sweating” leaves on your Monstera plant. While it can be concerning to see water droplets on the leaves, this is a natural process known as guttation.
Guttation is the process of plants releasing excess water through tiny holes called hydathodes on the leaves. However, excessive guttation can be a sign of an underlying issue with the plant’s environment or care.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind your Monstera dropping water and provide tips on how to prevent this from happening.
Why Is There Water Dripping from My Monstera?
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It’s likely that your Monstera dripping water is due to guttation, a completely natural process for the plant. Similar to how humans sweat in high humidity, the leaves release water through leaf pores located at the edges of the leaves.
This occurs because transpiration- a process in which water vapor leaves the stomata on the underside of the plant’s leaves- cannot happen at night when the plant is not photosynthesizing. As a result, liquid droplets form through the guttation pores, making it look like your Monstera is sweating.
Guttation vs. Dew- What Is the Difference?
It is essential to acknowledge that guttation and dew are not the same. Dew forms when the temperature drops and the air becomes saturated with moisture. This excess moisture then condenses on various surfaces, including the Monstera plant leaves.
In contrast, guttation occurs when the plant forcibly releases water from the edges of the leaves to get rid of excess water.
You can distinguish between guttation and dew by examining the plant closely. If there is water vapor located at the tip or edge of the leaves, it is a sign that the Monstera is undergoing guttation.
On the other hand, if the water droplets are uniformly distributed across the leaves’ surface, it is likely that dew has formed due to atmospheric conditions.
While dew typically forms on an outdoor plant, guttation is more prevalent in an indoor plant. This is because indoor plants are often located in a plant nursery with high humidity levels, such as in kitchens and bathrooms.
Is it Okay for My Swiss Cheese Plant to Sweat?
Is your monster dripping water? You should know that this is entirely normal for Monstera plants, and this process is commonly referred to as crying, leaking, or guttation. This process involves the removal of excess water through tiny openings called hydathodes located at the leaf’s tip.
The presence of sweating leaves does not necessarily indicate that your plant is unwell or requires more water. On the contrary, it could be a sign that your Monstera is receiving too much water and is attempting to remove the surplus.
However, it is essential to monitor the frequency of this process. If you constantly find tiny droplets of water vapor on your plant, it may be necessary to modify its environment or make changes to its watering schedule.
Does Guttation Occur Because You are Overwatering Your Monstera?
Frequent guttation may be an indication that you are overwatering your plant. When a plant receives an excess of water, the roots are unable to absorb it, leading to a buildup in the leaves. Consequently, your Monstera plant will sweat out this extra moisture.
If you suspect that you may be overwatering your plant, be on the lookout for other signs, such as yellowing leaves, root rot, wilting, or stunted growth. Additionally, overwatering can result in mold, pest infestations, or fungal infections in your Monstera plant.
To address the issue of overwatering, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering and allow the soil to absorb water and dry out completely between watering sessions.
It is also crucial to examine the drainage of your pot and ensure that water is not accumulating at the bottom, causing root rot.
Causes of Guttation
Besides overwatering, here are some other reasons why your Monstera is sweating:
Your Monstera is Pot Bound
If your plant is pot-bound or root-bound, it means that the roots have entirely taken over the pot, and there is no space for the water to drain. Hence, the Monstera plant will produce sweat when there is enough root pressure that needs to be alleviated.
This often happens when the pot is too small for the plant’s size. To prevent your Monstera from becoming rootbound, it is recommended to repot it regularly as required. Ideally, Monstera plants should be repotted every one to two years to ensure they have enough space for healthy root growth and they do not experience root pressure.
Your Plant is Stressed Out
If a plant is under stress, it may begin to produce sweat. This can be attributed to several factors, including alterations in temperature, light, or water availability.
If you observe an increase in sticky secretion on the leaf tips after moving the plant or changing its environment, it is likely due to stress.
You Have Over-Fertilized Your Plant
Over-fertilization can also lead to guttation in Monstera plants. Fertilizers contain water and minerals that are absorbed by the roots and stimulate plant growth, causing an increase in water pressure in the leaves.
While it is essential to fertilize your plant regularly for optimal growth, excess fertilizer usage can cause stress to the plant and lead to issues like your Monstera leaves dripping water.
Is Guttation Harmful?
Generally speaking, guttation does not pose any harm to Monstera plants- you will still be left with perfectly healthy leaves.
However, if the water droplets do not drip off the leaf and instead evaporate, they can leave behind a residue containing excess salts and sugar. This sticky residue can create unattractive white spots on the Monstera plant.
Another potential risk associated with guttation is the growth of mold, mildew, and harmful pests. If the water droplets remain on the leaves for extended periods, it can create a suitable environment for mold growth, which can be harmful to both the plant and those handling it.
Despite this, guttation is actually a positive sign that your plant is functioning well. However, if you observe it happening frequently, it’s essential to examine your plant’s surroundings closely and adjust its watering schedule.
Ways to Stop Monstera’s Leaves from Getting Wet
Even though you do not have to worry about your Monstera leaves sweating, there are some changes you can try to make to ensure that your plant’s health is not affected.
Here are some things you can do to get rid of excess water:
Do Not Overwater Your Monstera Deliciosa
Reducing the frequency of watering is the most effective way to prevent guttation, which is primarily caused by overwatering. You can achieve this by letting the soil dry out completely between watering sessions and ensuring that the pot has adequate drainage.
Using a lesser amount of water during each watering session is another technique to reduce the amount of water that your Monstera receives. This approach can help prevent the roots from absorbing too much water and triggering guttation.
Provide Your Plant with the Same Temperature Every Day
Guttation can be influenced by temperature; hence, it is recommended to maintain a stable temperature around your Monstera plant.
If the room is too hot, you will find water on the leaf surfaces every other day; if it is too cold, there will be less sweating.
You can use an automated thermostat to maintain a constant temperature in the room and regulate the environment for your Monstera.
Fertilize Your Plant
Regular fertilization is crucial for the health of your Monstera and can help prevent guttation.
However, it’s important to be careful not to over-fertilize as it can cause stress to the plant. Over-fertilization can lead to issues like leaf burn or increased guttation.
Repot Your Plant Every Alternate Year
When a plant is pot-bound, its roots take over the entire pot, leaving no room for water to flow. This can cause pressure to build up in the leaves, resulting in guttation or sweating. Therefore, it is important to repot your Monstera as necessary to prevent root constriction.
Check the roots of your Monstera every one to two years to see if they are becoming constricted. If the roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot, it’s time to repot your plant.
Repotting your plant will provide more space for the roots to grow and allow water to flow properly.
Prune the Plant
To maintain your Monstera plant’s health and reduce guttation, it’s recommended to prune it periodically. Pruning helps regulate the plant’s water intake and prevents stress. However, excessive pruning can harm the plant, so it is important to be cautious.
When pruning, begin by removing any dead or dying leaves. Moreover, trim any leaves that touch the ground. This helps to prevent the leaves from absorbing excess moisture from the soil, leading to guttation.
Isolate Your Monstera
Placing plants too close together can create a humid environment, which may benefit some plants but can worsen guttation for others. To prevent this, make sure to provide ample space between your plants.
If you have many indoor plants, consider moving some outdoors or investing in a larger space to put outdoor plants and give them room to thrive. Your Monstera may even benefit from living outside if the conditions are suitable. Regardless of what you decide to do, you must move your Monstera away from other plants.
Switch Up the Soil
Choosing the appropriate soil for your Monstera plant can significantly reduce Monstera sweating. Ensure to opt for a well-draining potting mix that doesn’t retain water for too long.
It is recommended to use slightly acidic potting soil that is not too dry or excessively moist to keep Monstera plants healthy. If you are unsure of which soil type to use, a tropical potting mix would be a suitable choice.
Get Rid of Humidity from the Room
Although Monstera plants usually prefer a humid environment, excessive humidity can cause them to sweat.
As mentioned earlier in the article, you should remove any sources of excess moisture around your plant, such as trays of water or humidifiers. If you live in a humid area, closing your windows may also help reduce humidity levels.
In addition, many thermostats have a humidity setting that can be adjusted to a lower number. This can be an effective way to reduce the amount of moisture in the air and prevent your Monstera from sweating.
Boost Air Circulation in the Room
Improving air circulation is crucial for your plant’s well-being as it prevents moisture buildup and sweating. To achieve this, consider placing a fan close to your plant or opening a window to let fresh air in.
If you have several plants, an oscillating fan could be a good investment to ensure optimal air circulation.
Water Your Plant in the Morning
To avoid guttation, a useful tip is to water your plant in the morning. By doing this, the plant has plenty of time to soak up the water before the temperature rises and the rest of the water evaporates.
Watering your plant at night can lead to water sitting on the leaves, which can cause sweating. Additionally, morning watering can help to prevent mold and mildew growth on the leaves.
Keep Your Monstera in a Place that Has Light
To prevent sweating or guttation in Monstera plants, it is best to place them in an area with bright, indirect light instead of diffused light.
As tropical plants, they thrive in this type of lighting, but too much of it can cause water retention. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with grow lights to provide sufficient light for your Monstera.
Get a Potting Mix With Vermiculite
Vermiculite, a type of mineral commonly used in gardening, can aid in preventing guttation by absorbing water and preventing soil compaction. Using vermiculite in your potting mix can help to reduce water retention.
You can easily obtain vermiculite at your local garden store or online. Just add it to your potting mix before planting your Monstera plant. Alternatively, you can use perlite, which has a similar effect.
Either mix the vermiculite evenly with your soil or create a layer of vermiculite at the bottom of the pot before adding your plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your Monstera may be experiencing wet or dripping leaves, including overwatering, humidity, poor soil drainage, and lack of proper air circulation.
By implementing some of the solutions discussed, such as adjusting watering habits, improving soil drainage, increasing air circulation, and regulating humidity levels, you can help prevent your Monstera from dripping water and ensure it thrives in a healthy environment.
With proper care, your Monstera can continue to grow and thrive, providing beauty and enjoyment for years to come.