This article, “Why is My Monstera Sweating, Dripping Water, and Crying,” will cover all you need to know about water droplets on the Swiss Cheese Plant. Read on to discover:
- An overview of the Monstera dripping water (or excess water).
- An explanation of guttation and what causes it in Monstera plants.
- Different types of water on the Monstera plant (dew and sweat/guttation).
- Simple steps to take to avoid water droplets on Monstera’s leaves.
Monstera Deliciosa, the Swiss Cheese Plant, is undoubtedly a marvel of tropical plants whose vivid green leaves can make any space cheerful.
However, sometimes you may notice tiny water droplets on the leaves, giving an appearance if the plants are crying or sweating.
While it might be alarming at first, it’s actually completely normal. Let’s find out what it’s all about.
Why is My Monstera Sweating and Dripping Water?
“Sweating,” “dripping water,” or “crying” is a common occurrence for Monstera plants and happens year-round. Guttation is basically the correct term used to describe this process.
This is a typical yet essential process and often occurs when the plant’s leaves are subjected to a high humidity level in a humid environment—analogous to sweating in human beings.
Through guttation, Monsteras get rid of mineral salts and excess water from their xylem tissue (one of the two types of transport tissue) via tiny pores called hydathodes.
Although guttation is a natural process and there’s nothing to be concerned about, it is necessary to be aware of the differences between guttation and dew for proper maintenance.
What is Guttation?
Guttation, also known as “sweating,” “crying,” and “weeping,” is an entirely normal process in which tiny droplets develop on the tips or surface of perfectly healthy Monstera leaves.
Even though it seems to be water droplets, the substance is xylem sap (non-toxic and will not harm your floors or wooden furniture), a mixture of excess water and minerals.
Several different triggers might result in guttation. In most cases, it indicates that your plant has a little amount of water over what it needs, and it is attempting to rid itself of the surplus.
The transpiration mechanisms often shut down at night; thus, to get rid of the surplus moisture, the pressure from the roots forces upwards via a network of fine channels—phloem.
These channels are related to the tiny cells on the leaf’s surface. They do this by releasing minerals and excess water, which results in tiny droplets of sweat or dew on the leaf tips.
Guttation vs. Transpiration vs. Dew
It is essential to understand that guttation, transpiration, and dew are not the same things.
Transpiration is the process through which Monstera plants lose excess moisture or expel excess water via evaporation, which usually takes place during the day at high temperatures.
On the other hand, the xylem sap that the vascular plants themselves secretes is referred to as guttation.
Unlike transpiration, guttation is a natural process, and guttation occurs at night time when indoor plants draw water out from the dripping leaves using their own energy.
Finally, when the air is too cold to retain any more water vapor since the temperature has dropped outside, dew formation begins.
This moisture eventually forms tiny drops, or as we say, dew drops, which may be seen on a cold surface, such as the leaves of the Monstera plants.
Is It Normal for Monstera Plants to Sweat?
Guttation is a natural and common process in which Monstera secretes excess liquid in the form of droplets of xylem tissues or xylem sap on the leaf tips or surface.
There’s no reason to believe that the Monstera is sick. In point of fact, the guttation is just the contrary. Your plant may be receiving excessive water, given that it is getting rid of the excess.
Even though guttation is a physiological process, it is essential to be conscious of the frequency with which it takes place. Continue reading to find out some causes of guttation.
Common Causes of Monstera Guttation
Even though guttation is a natural process, you may be curious about why your Monstera plant’s leaves usually have moisture on them.
If your Monstera house plant releases excessive moisture, it is a sign that it is having trouble keeping its water intake under control.
Other factors that might lead to guttation in Monstera plants include the following:
(1) Overwatering
Guttation is often a sign of over-watering since it indicates that the root system is taking in excess water. This is probably the case if you notice the guttation process occurring frequently.
If you overwater Monstera, the roots will be unable to absorb all of the water, and you’ll see it accumulating on the leaves. Thus, keep an eye out for additional symptoms, such as wet soil.
Utilizing a moisture meter is the most reliable method for determining whether or not you have overwatered Monstera plants since it effectively measures the soil moisture level.
Once you determine that the root cause of Monstera dripping is overwatering, reduce the amount of water applied to the soil and wait at least a week between the watering habits.
(2) Overfertilizing
Overfertilization is another factor that may lead to guttation, and this is particularly true if the droplets from guttation leave markings on the plant that look like white ink blots.
When you over-fertilize your Monstera house plants, water pressure and nutrients build-up. This causes root pressure, which ultimately leads to Monstera dripping.
You may also watch for additional indicators of over-fertilizing, such as withering leaves, stunted development, and a white crust on the surface of the soil or soil drainage.
However, given that xylem sap is a mixture of different minerals and surplus water, a white crust may occasionally develop spontaneously (it is not always a sign of over-fertilization).
(3) Stress or Growing Condition Changes
Even if you do everything in your power to keep your plant happy, a Monstera may begin to drip water for several reasons, including anxiety and less-than-ideal growth circumstances.
Some causes of Monstera dripping water include repotting the plant, moving it to a new place, exposing it to different temperatures, and even returning home from the plant nursery.
Some plants are better able to adjust to changing environments than others, and one of the ways Monstera tries to control its growth circumstances is via dripping/light guttation.
Find out if any changes in the environment might be causing the guttation, and let your Monstera Deliciosa recuperate and acclimate to the new conditions for a few days.
(4) Root Bound
If your Monstera is root-bound and the plant’s roots are growing through drainage holes, it may begin to drip in an effort to relieve some of the strain placed on the root system.
Since there is no soil present, there is nowhere else for the water to go; thus, to get rid of excess moisture and remain healthy, your Monstera plant might go through guttation.
To keep your Monstera from becoming root-bound or suffering from root pressure or root rot, you should repot it immediately as the soil in the current container becomes too crowded.
In general, Monstera plants need to have their pots changed every two to three years or anytime they show indications of becoming root-bound or having limited space to flourish.
What to Do If Monstera is Sweating and Dripping?
Nobody enjoys waking up to see their floors covered with water and sap every morning. If your indoor plants are sweating or dripping water, here’s how you can prevent it.
(1) Adjust Watering Schedule
Reduce the amount of water you give your plant as the first step in preventing Monstera sweating or dripping. It will be unable to absorb anything if it does not get sufficient water.
You may get a similar result by reducing the number of times you water the garden per week. Nevertheless, make an effort to strike a satisfactory balance to prevent plant sweating.
If you give Monstera more water than it can handle, it will start absorbing beyond its limit. If this happens, the plant won’t have to use guttation to rid itself of the surplus moisture.
(2) Water Less in Mornings
Since overwatering is one of the primary causes of guttation, adjusting how much water your Monstera gets may make a difference in the excessive water pressure or water vapor.
When you water your Monstera with less water each time, less extra moisture will be left around the roots. Also, try watering it in the morning so it has the whole day to absorb water.
Once you determine that the root cause of Monstera dripping is overwatering, reduce the amount of water applied to the soil and wait at least a week between spraying too much water.
(3) Regulate Temperature and Humidity Levels
Temperature and humidity affect guttation in equal measure; therefore, you must control them by maintaining a stable temperature and reducing the cold surfaces in the surroundings.
You can control the temperature and humidity by using an automated thermostat. This device will maintain the room temperature constantly, allowing you to reduce humidity levels.
The best temperature range for an indoor plant is between 20-30 °C (68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition, the humidity levels should be between 40 and 60 percent.
(4) Introduce More Light in the Room
Providing your Monstera with increased light will keep its pores open for longer, enabling it to evaporate effectively. In addition, the light will help it in using water when the process occurs.
Monsteras need a minimum of six hours per day of exposure to bright or indirect sunshine. If your plant is not receiving sufficient light, consider both the light’s intensity and length.
Ideal lighting conditions include a spot 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) away from a window facing either the south or the east that gets solid indirect light without causing leaf burn.
Final Thoughts
If you see your Monstera plant leaves dripping, sweating, or crying, you may be overwatering it. It’s normal for Monstera to drip excess water; however, consistent guttation is a problem.
It is easy to take proper care of your Monstera, as long as you remember a few rules. Always choose soil with adequate drainage and avoid watering until the top 2 inches are fully dry.
As soon as you get the hang of giving your Monstera Deliciosa (or any other Monstera variety) the care it needs, it will flourish and become a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
