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Monstera Mystery Solved: The Truth Behind Those Dripping Tears

Monstera Mystery Solved: The Truth Behind Those Dripping Tears

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There are times when your Monstera plant may look like it’s sweating or weeping because of liquid droplets on the leaves.

If you’ve noticed this, you’re probably wondering, why is my Monstera dripping water?

While this can be alarming, it’s actually a normal occurrence called guttation. This plant regulation process removes excess water from the roots through the leaves.

Nevertheless, guttation can be a result of plant care habits that you need to recheck.

To better understand this water release mechanism, let’s look into why and how it happens. Read on to know more.

What Is Guttation in Plants?

Plant roots constantly draw water from the soil for different processes such as photosynthesis and food transport. But most of the water is actually lost or expelled into the environment.

Your Monstera, for example, does this in two ways: through transpiration and guttation.

Transpiration happens during the day when the stomata of the leaves open up and allow water to evaporate. At night, though, these pores close.

This is where guttation comes in. When the soil contains too much water, pressure builds up and drives movement from the roots to the leaves.

Since the leaves can only take in a certain amount, the plant releases some of the water through specialized pores, called hydathodes.

Unlike the stomata, these pores are always open. Plus, they’re located in the leaf margins. So, if you see water droplets around these areas, then your Monstera is exhibiting guttation.

Dew Formation vs. Guttation in Plants

Guttation is an internal plant process that can create a weeping effect on your Monstera. If your plant is outdoors, though, you can easily mistake dew formation for guttation.

The difference is that, in the latter, water forms at the tip of the leaves. Dew, on the other hand, is well-distributed on your plant. Not only that, but you can see it on nearby objects as well.

Dew formation is an external process and is a result of one or two things. The first reason is when the air is already saturated with water vapor.

The second scenario is when the water vapor cools down to its dew point. In both cases, the vapor condenses into droplets.

So, just like guttation, dew formation also typically takes place at night, when temperatures drop and humidity levels rise.

When Does Guttation Happen?

Most commonly, you’ll notice your Monstera crying at night or early in the morning when the stomata are closed.

That said, guttation can also happen during the day too when the plant experiences stress due to humidity levels, temperature changes, or in unsuitable light conditions.

Is My Monstera Dripping Water a Problem?

If your Monstera experiences guttation once in a while, it’s not usually a cause for concern. Instead, it means that your plant is healthy as it’s able to go through this natural process.

When it happens too often, however, you need to watch out for several things. First, excessive water can result in yellowing, root rot, and overall wilting of the plant.

Secondly, guttation releases droplets that aren’t only water but, in fact, diluted forms of xylem sap. These contain salt, sugar, and other minerals.

Once the droplets evaporate instead of dripping, residues remain on the leaf surfaces. On top of being unappealing, these can also cause burns.

Lastly, if the droplets don’t dry off quickly, it increases the risk of fungal infections and other diseases.

Why Is My Monstera Dripping Water? 7 Reasons

Several factors lead to guttation. Let’s look at them one by one and see how they can be addressed.

1 – Overwatering

A primary reason for guttation is overwatering. As a self-regulation mechanism, your Monstera will push the excess water from the roots to the leaves.

If you’ve been overwatering for a certain period, you’ll likely notice wilting, yellowing of leaves, and a lack of growth in your plant.

Even worse, the roots may rot and eventually kill your plant.

Solution

Cut back on your watering frequency to lower the incidence of guttation. You can also decrease the volume of water per session.

Bear in mind that Monstera plants have moderate watering needs. Usually, once a week or even once every 2 weeks is enough.

Nonetheless, make sure to water only when the soil is dry.

One more thing to remember is to water in the morning as the stomata are open. This way, the plant has the entire day to lose the excess water through evaporation.

2 – High Humidity Levels

Guttation is also influenced by humidity. When humidity levels are high, the surrounding air contains a significant amount of water vapor.

Take note that water moves from a high concentration to a lower concentration. In humid conditions, however, there is less driving force to release water from the plant to the environment.

In other words, high humidity slows down transpiration. As a result, your Monstera will expel water in other means like guttation.

Solution

To prevent this from happening, make sure that your Monstera gets enough ventilation. When you have a couple of plants in a row, space them out so they can breathe.

If you have a Monstera plant indoors, you can monitor the relative humidity around it using a hygrometer.

Other homes also have thermostats with humidity settings, which can be easily lowered to avoid guttation.

You can also use dehumidifiers to prevent too-humid conditions.

3 – Sunlight Conditions

Sunlight triggers the stomata to open, which is essential in transpiration and photosynthesis. But overexposure especially in extreme sunlight leads to excessive water loss through evaporation.

In response to this stressful situation, the pores may close and cause guttation instead.

Solution

Monstera plants have different needs depending on the variety. Some species like the Monstera Deliciosa and Monstera Acuminata love bright, indirect sunlight and partial shade.

Others like the Swiss Cheese and the Monstera Obliqua thrive in partial sun.

Whatever type you have, provide it with as much as it needs for optimal water release during the day.

If your home receives less natural light, consider using grow lights to keep the stomata open to prevent guttation.

4 – Extreme Temperatures

Temperature is another factor that can cause guttation in your Monstera. Similar to sunlight, it can affect the transpiration process.

When temperatures rise, it makes the stomata open up more freely. However, as part of the plant’s adaptation, these pores close due to stress from high heat or extreme cold.

Solution

To avoid stressing your plant, ensure a consistent temperature around it.

If you keep your Monstera indoors, you can easily regulate the thermostat to keep it healthy and avoid sweating.

Generally, Monstera plants thrive at an optimal temperature of 65–85°F.

5 – Root-Bounding

Another reason for guttation is root-bounding, which is when the roots become restricted by the shape of their container.

As the plant grows, the root system does too. It will take over the pot in the long run, leaving it soilless.

In this case, when you water, the pressure builds up on the roots immediately since there’s no soil to hold it in.

Solution

To check if your Monstera is root-bound, you can simply tilt your pot and see if roots are sticking out from the bottom.

If there are roots sticking out, then transplant your Monstera. Ideally, you should do this once every 1 or 2 years.

While at it, make sure to get the correct pot size. As a rule of thumb, you need a pot that can give 1-2 inches of space from the roots to the edges of the container.

Also, it needs to have adequate drainage holes so the water isn’t retained longer than it should. This way, you can prevent guttation.

6 – Incorrect Soil Mix

The soil mixture used in your plant may be to blame for guttation, especially if it retains moisture for long periods.

Solution

For your Monstera, you need slightly acidic, well-draining soil. The ideal pH value is from 5.5–6.5

If in a container, use a peat-based potting medium. You can add perlite or vermiculite to the mix as well.

Since these two are light materials, incorporating them creates a soil mixture that isn’t too compact. As a result, the rate of water retention decreases.

If your Monstera is grown outdoors, it can survive in various soil types, ranging from heavy clay to medium loamy, and light sandy.

7 – Too Much Fertilizer

Fertilizing too often is another reason why your Monstera is weeping.

Once you provide additional nourishment, naturally, the roots will force it up to the leaves to be used up. However, it needs water to go with it.

When there’s excessive fertilizer, more minerals are also released. If the liquid droplets produced through guttation dry out, the residues can cause burning on the plant leaves.

Solution

Moderation is important in fertilizing your Monstera. Keep in mind that these plants need to be fertilized around three to four times only throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Why is my Monstera dripping water? Your Monstera is weeping or sweating because of a natural plant process called guttation.

This happens when there’s excess water from the roots, yet can’t be eliminated through transpiration due to stomatal closure. Instead, the water is pushed out through the openings on the leaf margins called hydathodes.

Typically, this isn’t alarming, but when it occurs too often, you need to check the factors causing it. These include overwatering, unsuitable soil mix, over-fertilizing, and root-bounding.

Also, stressors like temperature changes, extreme sunlight, and high humidity levels can cause water droplets in your Monstera.

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