Are you perplexed about why your monstera dripping water? Noticed little water drops hanging onto the bottom of its leaves or small puddles popping up on your soil? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! Loads of people who own tropical houseplants get a little stressed when they see water falling from their Monsteras. In this write-up, we’ll break down why your Monstera might be dripping water and give you some pointers on keeping it in good shape and well-watered. So, keep reading to learn more, and figure out how to keep your awesome monstera looking tip-top!
Why is my Monstera dripping water?
Monstera plants are famous for their big, heart-like leaves, but lots of folks who own these plants have seen ’em dripping water too. The three main reasons why Monsteras drip water are guttation, transpiration, and dew.
- Guttation: Guttation is what happens when a plant soaks up more water than it can use. It gets rid of this extra water through tiny holes called stomata that are on the leaves. The droplets formed from guttation are usually clear and don’t have any nutrients, so they don’t cause any problems for the plant.
- Transpiration: Transpiration is the plant’s way of cooling down. Plants let out moisture in the form of water vapor from their leaves, which then turns into droplets on the leaf surface. These droplets aren’t like the ones from guttation – they might have nutrients and bits of the plant in them, and could even carry bacteria or fungi.
- Dew Formation: Dew happens when moisture from the air collects on plant leaves, usually when it’s nighttime or cold outside. These dew droplets don’t harm the plant and usually disappear when the temperature goes up.
Is sweating harmful to monstera plants?
Even though a bit of sweating can actually do a monstera plant some good, you gotta keep in mind that too much of it might leave the leaves looking off color and droopy. If your monstera’s sweating buckets, it could be a sign that it’s not getting enough water or it’s dealing with a heat wave. In that case, you gotta make sure it’s getting plenty of water and it’s kept away from scorching temps.
Also, you gotta keep an eye on your monstera for any signs of disease or pest infestation, cause these troublemakers can make your plant sweat more than normal. If your plant gets sick, it’s key to sort out what’s causing the problem to keep your plant healthy.
All in all, sweating is a normal thing for a monstera plant, and it’s not always a bad sign. But, if it’s sweating up a storm, it might be a clue that there’s some other problems going on that you need to sort out to keep your plant happy and healthy.
Related: How often to Water Monstera Plant for Optimal Growth
What Is the Difference Between Guttation and Dew?
Guttation and dew are two ways you’ll spot moisture on plants. But, even though they seem similar, there are a couple of big differences.
| Guttation | Dew |
| Guttation is like the way plants sweat out little water droplets from their leaves or stems through these nifty little things called hydathodes. This usually happens when the plant is really feeling the pressure, like in super hot and dry times. | Dew is just water that shows up when something gets cooler than the dew point because it lost heat throughout the night. |
| Water droplets are deposited on the plant’s leaf tips. | Water drops are deposited on the entire leaf surface. |
| Guttation is the process of removing xylem sap via hydathodes present on leaf tips. | Dew is formed by the condensation of water vapor on leaf surfaces. |
What Can You Do About Monstera Leaves Dripping Water?
On top of giving your Monstera the right environment, there’s a couple of extra tricks to stop your Monstera leaves from getting all drippy with water.
Water your Monstera deeply and less often
Try to water your Monstera just once every week or two, and make sure the soil gets a real good soaking each time you do it. If the soil is still a bit wet when you’re ready to water your Monstera again, just hold off until it’s dried out before watering. It’s really key to let the soil dry out so your plant can suck up enough oxygen and avoid getting root rot.
Also, take a look at the drainage holes of your pot or planter to make sure that any extra water can get out quick and easy. If you see that your Monstera leaves are still getting drippy even with watering less often, you might need to replant it in a bigger pot or planter with better drainage.
Increase the flow of air around the plant
You want your Monstera to have plenty of space away from other plants, ’cause this helps to get the air moving around it. If the air in your house is too dry, think about getting a humidifier or placing water trays near the plant. You can also mix in some pebbles and water to the soil of your Monstera so that it stays moist but not too wet.
Check that the soil drains well
Before planting or repotting your monstera, check that the soil drains well by doing a simple test: take a handful of soil and moisten it with water until it’s damp but not soggy. Give it a squeeze – if water drips from it, the soil is too wet and won’t drain right. If the soil sticks together, it should be okay for your Monstera plant. Once you’ve checked that the soil is draining alright, remember to water your Monstera deep but not too much, letting the top layer of soil to totally dry out between waterings.
Reducing fertilizer use
Using too much fertilizer can hurt the plant’s roots, leading to droopy and discolored leaves that tend to drip water. To dodge this issue, only fertilize your Monstera when it really needs it – usually every two or three months during the growing season. If you’re using a liquid fertilizer, use only a quarter of what you normally would and cut down applications to twice a month.
Overwatering should be avoided
Overwatering your Monstera can make the leaves super soggy, and they might start dripping water and going rotten. To dodge this, you gotta check how damp your soil is and make sure it’s not soaking. If the soil’s still kinda damp, chill for a bit before you water again. You can also do stuff to help your plant drain better, so it’s not all waterlogged.
Place the Plant in a Cooler Area
If you move your Monstera to a cooler spot that’s got a good breeze, it’ll help keep the moisture down and stop guttation – that’s when plants sweat out water from their leaves. You can also use a fan or a breezy circulator to help get the air moving and cut down on how damp it is. Plus, you might wanna think about using a dehumidifier in your place or at work to help keep the humidity down.
All three of these terms – guttation, transpiration, and dew are the three most likely causes for why your Monstera is dripping water. Usually, it’s no big deal and it’s actually a good sign that your plant’s doing what it should be. Just keep an eye on how much water’s in the pot and always make sure your plant’s got holes at the bottom so extra water can get out. Do you know any other reasons for “why is my monstera dripping water”? Let Famiplants know in the comments below!
