Why Is My Monstera Dripping Water, Sweating, Or Crying?

Why is my monstera dripping water, sweating or crying

You’ll often notice water droplets on the tips of your Monstera leaves. Guttation, common in the Swiss cheese plant, gives the impression that your plant is sweating or crying.

Roots absorb moisture continually, leading to excess water in the xylem tissues. While guttation occurs at night, transpiration allows plants to get rid of the excess water during the day. 

This article on why my Monstera is dripping water, sweating, or crying covers everything about water droplets in Your Swiss cheese plant. Read on to learn more;

Why Is My Monstera Dripping Water, Sweating Or Crying?

Guttation is a natural process, also known as “sweating,” “weeping,” or “crying,” where healthy leaves develop liquid droplets on their tips or surfaces. These droplets may appear similar to water but combine xylem sap and excess water containing minerals.

Why is My Monstera Dripping Water?

When your Monstera leaves drip water, you most likely over-watered it. Similarly, it could be the effects of dew, especially if you grow the plant outdoors.

However, in some cases, sweating or crying could result from transpiration or guttation.

1. Guttation

If you notice droplets of water on the tips of your plant leaves, guttation has likely occurred.

Guttation, also called sweating, or crying, is a process where plants get rid of excess salts and moisture at night.

Although it occurs as water droplets, guttation releases minerals called xylem sap and moisture. Xylem sap is often non-toxic and non-corrosive.

Several factors may trigger guttation in plants. In most cases, the process indicates that the plants absorb surplus moisture. 

Generally, transpiration can’t occur during nighttime. So, to eliminate the extra moisture, pressure from the plant’s roots acts upward via the phloem.

These channels connect to the leaf cells, resulting in sweat droplets on the tips.

Why is my monstera dripping water, sweating or crying

2. Transpiration

Plants utilize only some of the absorbed water. Approximately 97.99% of the moisture is usually lost via transpiration.

Transpiration lets plants lose moisture as water vapor, mainly through the stomata.  

The three main types of transpiration include stomatal, cuticular, and lenticular. Stomatal transpiration occurs when the moisture in the leaf’s mesophyll tissue evaporates to the surrounding air.

3. Dew 

You’ll often notice water droplets on your Monstera leaves in a humid environment, especially at night.

This moisture is different from the one in transpiration and guttation. Typically, as water evaporates, it condenses on the leaves of outdoor plants. 

Subsequently, this leaves dew droplets that you can spot in the morning. Since dew doesn’t come from the plant, you needn’t worry about it.

The dew drops will typically disappear as the day breaks without affecting your plant.

dew on monstera leaves

Common Causes of Guttation in Monstera Plants

While guttation occurs naturally, you might be curious why the leaves of your Monstera drip water.

If your Monstera releases excess moisture, the plant might struggle to control its water intake. Additional factors that may contribute to guttation in Monsteras include;

1. Overwatering

Guttation, a major sign of an overwatered plant, indicates that the roots absorb excess moisture. This is usually the case if guttation occurs more frequently in your plant.

Overwatering your Monstera leaves the root unable to absorb moisture and nutrients, and the root rot. So, besides guttation, you’ll want to check out for additional symptoms like soggy soil.

You can also use a moisture meter to determine if you’re overwatering your Monstera plant. This device measures soil moisture levels.

After determining whether overwatering contributes to your Monstera leaves dripping water or crying, consider reducing the water you use.

Additionally, adhere to a strict watering schedule.

2. Over fertilizing

Overfertilizing the soil might also lead to guttation in your Monstera plant. This is often the case if water droplets from the guttation process leave markings that appear like white ink blots.

Using excess fertilizer on your Monstera causes nutrients and water pressure to build up within the plant. Subsequently, this results in root pressure, leading to dripping leaves in the plant.

Additional factors indicating over fertilizing include stunted growth, withered leaves, and white crusts on the soil.

However, since xylem sap composes excess moisture and minerals, a white crust that develops spontaneously doesn’t always indicate over-fertilization.

While it’s vital to fertilize your Monstera regularly to keep it blooming, be careful not to use it excessively. By doing so, you risk stressing the plant.

monstera dripping water

3. Growing condition changes or transplant stress

Even with extra care and caution, your Monstera might still drip water for different reasons. These reasons include anxiety and unsatisfactory growth conditions. 

For instance, your plant may drip water after repotting or transplanting it. Similarly, relocating the plant exposes it to different temperature conditions, which might trigger the physiological process.

While some plants adapt better to changing environments, others, including the Monstera, will try to cope by dripping or guttation. 

Establish whether the environmental changes cause the plant to sweat or drip water. Afterward, allow it to recuperate and acclimatize to the new circumstances for several days.

4. The plant is root bound

The root system has outgrown the pot in rootbound Monstera plants, resulting in pressure buildup. In this case , your plant will give in to the root pressure and drip or sweat. 

So, besides using the correct pot size for your plant, remember to repot your Monstera as required.

This will prevent the plant from becoming root bound. Ideally, you’ll want to repot your Monstera every couple of years or whenever it shows signs of being root bound.

Spotting a rootbound plant is simple. Often, the roots will start growing through the drainage holes. Similarly, the soil will appear compacted around the root system.

How To Stop Your Monstera from Sweating?

Are you fed up with water and sap from your Monstera covering the floor? Here’s how to prevent your plant house from dripping water or sweating.

Why is my monstera dripping water, sweating or crying

1. Cut down on the amount of water you give indoor plants

Overwatering is often the main cause of guttation in plants. So, to prevent the process, you’ll want to cut back on the water you give the plants. This way, the plant won’t absorb any excessive moisture. 

Also, remember to let the wet soil dry out before the next watering session. Also, use a planter with adequate drainage.

You can also prevent guttation by reducing the frequency of your watering sessions. For instance, water the plant twice instead of thrice per week.

Subsequently, you won’t have to worry about guttation since there won’t be any surplus moisture.

2. Regulate humidity and temperature

Humidity and temperature affect guttation to a greater extent. Therefore, keeping these aspects in check will help prevent your Monstera from sweating and dripping. 

Use an automated thermostat to maintain a stable temperature around the plant. The ideal temperature range for most indoor plants is between 20 °C to 30 °C (68°F -86 °F). 

While Monsteras thrive in humid environments, high humidity may cause the plant to sweat. So, you’ll want to eliminate anything that adds moisture around the plant. This includes water trays and humidifiers.

If you can’t help but grow the plant in areas experiencing high humidity, closing the windows could reduce moisture levels in the air. 

Also, most thermostats include a setting that allows you to regulate humidity. Ideally, try to maintain humidity levels between 40% to 60%. This will prevent your plant from sweating.

Related read: Monstera temperature tolerance: how cold can monstera tolerate

3. Provide more light 

Providing more light for your Monstera will keep the stomata open longer, allowing evaporation to occur effectively. 

Monstera plants require at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure every day. Consider the light’s wavelength and intensity if your indoor plant doesn’t access bright indirect light.

You can also use grow lights to introduce more light. This is a good alternative, especially if your home can’t access adequate natural light.

4. Prune your Monstera 

Regularly pruning your Monstera will keep it healthy while preventing guttation. Pruning also helps in regulating the amount of moisture absorbed by plants. It also prevents plant stress.

However, prune the Monstera’s leaves sparingly lest you damage your plant house. When pruning, start with dead and wilting leaves before proceeding to healthier ones.

Also, ensure that you cut off any leaves that touch the ground.

When pruning your Monstera, use a sterilized garden pruner to prevent transferring pests and diseases. Also, clean your hands before handling other plants.

5. Fertilize regularly

Regularly fertilizing your Monstera will ensure it remains healthy. It also prevents guttation.

However, avoid overfertilizing the soil as it could lead to additional problems, including more guttation and leaf burn.

6. Replace the soil mix

Using the right potting soil mix for your Monstera prevents guttation. Ideally, use well-draining soil with some water-retention properties.

However, the soil should only hold moisture briefly so it doesn’t become waterlogged. 

Monsteras also thrive in slightly acidic soil with a 5.5-6.5. We recommend any tropical potting mix if you know the right soil for your Monstera.

7. Isolate your Monstera from other plants

Placing plants close to each other is a sure recipe for humid conditions. While this benefits plants that require more water, it’s less suitable for plants that experience guttation.

You’ll want to space out the potted plants to provide sufficient breathing room. If you’re growing many plants, consider investing in more spacious rooms.

If favorable conditions are favorable, you can also move some plants outdoors, including your Monstera.

8. Repot your plant

If your Monstera is rootbound, it’ll sweat or drip water to reduce the pressure in the root system. When the plant is pot bound, the roots may fail to absorb essential minerals, causing it to wilt.

It’s vital to repot your Monstera when need be to prevent it from being rootbound. We recommend repotting the houseplant every one or two years.

Also, inspect the plant regularly to see if the roots are becoming constricted.

Another way to tell when to repot your Monstera is when the toots come out of the drainage holes.

9. Increase air circulation 

It’s important to enhance air circulation around the Monstera plant. Besides being good for the plant’s health, it also prevents moisture buildup that results in sweating. 

Place a fan close to the plant to enhance air circulation. Acquiring and using an oscillating fan will be wise for dealing with numerous plants. Alternatively, place the plants next to an open window.

10. Add vermiculite to your potting mix 

In recent times, vermiculite– a mineral used in gardening, has enjoyed increased popularity among houseplant enthusiasts. 

This mineral helps to absorb moisture, preventing the soil from becoming compacted. This reduces the soil’s water retention ability, preventing guttation.

You can access vermiculite in most brick-and-mortar or online garden stores. To use vermiculite correctly, add it to the potting mix before planting. 

Mix the vermiculite with the soil and spread it evenly throughout the pot. Alternatively, create a vermiculite layer at the pot’s bottom before planting your Monstera plant.

Is It Usual For Monstera Plants To Sweat?

Sweating is typical for all Monstera species. It has zero side effects since the plant loses surplus water and minerals to maintain optimum health. This process is also known as guttation. 

However, transpiration can also make the Monstera plant appear as if it’s sweating or crying.

Transpiration occurs only during the daytime, when stomatal cells on the leaves open, releasing moisture as water vapor.

Since plants continually absorb water and minerals regardless of time, it creates a need to eliminate the surplus. Through transpiration, you can notice water droplets on the plant’s leaves.

Although plants don’t utilize all the absorbed water, it gives you no excuse to underwater your Monstera. 

Will Adjusting Your Watering Habits Prevent Guttation?

Overwatering is a leading cause of guttation in plants. So, it’s common to wonder whether adjusting your watering schedule will alleviate the situation. 

Luckily, Monsteras are resilient plants and can manage with occasional overwatering or underwatering. As such, it is hard to guess whether the conditions are conducive to the plant’s health. 

As mentioned before, guttation is harmless. It’s a natural physiological process like sweating. You needn’t worry about anything unless you notice mushy stems or discolored leaves in addition to guttation.

Keeping that in mind, learning and sticking to the best watering habits for your Monstera plant is vital.

Generally, watering schedules will vary with the plant’s size, climate, potting mix, and season. 

For instance, a medium-sized Monstera plant that has just begun developing fenestration may need weekly watering.

The plant is likely thirsty if it occasionally droops, alerting you to creep up on the watering.

Like other tropical plants, Monsteras enjoy humidity, heat, and moisture. Some experts endorse watering the plant until it runs out from the drainage holes.

Additionally, if your Monstera is sweating, allow the soil to dry completely between watering sessions.

FAQs

Is guttation bad for my Monsteras?

Besides being normal, guttation is harmless and shouldn’t cause alarm. However, ensure that you offer adequate care to your Monstera plant. This includes properly watering, introducing more light, and fertilizing the soil. Also, reducing the amount of water and watering frequency may prevent guttation.

Is guttation similar to dew?

No, guttation is different from Dew. Dew consists of pure atmospheric moisture that condenses on cold surfaces. While both happen at night, guttation is secreted from within the plant’s vessels, while dew comes from the air. Additionally, while the dew is pure water, guttation comprises water and xylem sap.

What does it mean if my Monstera plant is crying or sweating?

Guttation, also known as crying, sweating, or weeping, is a natural process that allows plants to get rid of surplus moisture and salts. Typically, water droplets form on the surface or tips of healthy plants during guttation. Guttation has several underlying causes, including overwatering the plant.

Should I wipe away the guttation?

It’s good to wipe off guttation using a moist cloth gently. Wiping the xylem sap away helps the plant eliminate excess nutrients and minerals. Also, it will prevent the leaves from rotting or browning. Nevertheless, leaving the plant un-interfered during the guttation process bears no consequences.

Why is my Monstera creating water droplets?

Transpiration occurs when plants lose excess water during the day. Typically, transpiration happens through the stomata, allowing the plant to lose moisture as water vapor. On the other hand, guttation, which occurs at night, consists of xylem sap.

Conclusion 

Why is my Monstera dripping water, sweating, or crying? You may wonder. If the leaves of your Monstera drip or sweat, it’s likely that you’re overwatering it. 

While it’s typical for a healthy Monstera to sweat excess moisture, constant guttation indicates more underlying issues.

To minimize guttation in your plant, use well-draining soil that retains minimal moisture. In addition, ensure your planter includes sufficient drainage holes. Following these basic care guidelines will allow your plant to flourish.

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