Why is your Monstera leaves dripping water? Do you see water drops on the tip of your monstera leaves? It looks like a dew drop but just on the tip of the monstera leaves. Don’t worry! Water on the tip of the leaves of Monstera plants is normal!
I must admit, I was alarmed when I first noticed my monstera leaves dripping water! At first, I thought there was a water leak coming from the ceiling! But then I kept noticing my monstera leaves dripping water in the morning. I started to investigate further to find out what is going on!
Water on the Tip of Monstera Leaves is Guttation
According to the University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management, the water drops at the tip of the leaves of plants are formed due to a phenomenon called guttation. Guttation is when the plant exudes water from “hydathodes.” Hydathodes are located at the end of the tiny veins of the leaves which is why water is seen at the tips of the leaves. It’s the plant’s way of relieving the pressure build-up in its plant tissues.
In fact, guttation is a sign that your Monstera plant is healthy and has a good rate of transpiration (source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs)
What causes the Monstera Leaves to drip water?
You will notice that it’s not every day that your monstera leaves are dripping water. Some days the tip of the monstera leaves is dry. Guttation occurs when there is high water uptake and low transpiration, it usually happens on cool, humid nights after a warm day (source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs).
Watering Monstera Plant at Night can Cause Water on Tip of Leaves
A possible reason why you are seeing water on the tip of the leaves of your Monstera plant is that you watered your Monstera at night. The stomata on the leaves of Monstera plants are closed at night so water can’t transpire at night. Stomata are tiny pores on your Monstera leaves.
Since these pores or stomata are closed at night, the result is a pressure build up and the only way for your Monstera to relieve this pressure build-up is to get rid of the water through the hydathodes which are located at the tip of the leaves.
If you watered your Monstera plant during the day when the stomata are open, water can leave from the stomata and will decrease the likelihood of water drops at the tip of the leaves of your Monstera plant.
Young Monstera Leaves Dripping Water
You will notice that the young Monstera leaves are dripping water while the older Monstera leaves don’t have water on the tip of the leaves. This is normal since older leaves tend to have hydathodes that are blocked with wax and solutes (source: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs).
Is Guttation on Monstera Leaves Good or Bad?
Guttation is a normal occurrence in Monstera plants. The water and mineral loss from guttation should not be a cause of concern. In the wild, water from guttation is a food source for insects!
What to do when there is water at the tip of the leaves of the Monstera plant?
Guttation on Monstera plants are normal. To get rid of the water drops, gently wipe off the water drops on the tip of the leaves of the Monstera plant.
How to Prevent Water on the Tip of Monstera Leaves
Since guttation on Monstera plants is a natural occurrence, there is not a lot you can do to prevent it from happening.
Water Monstera in the day and not at Night
Don’t water your Monstera plant at night since the stomata are closed at night and your Monstera can’t transpire. The result is the water will come out of the hydathodes which are at the tip of the leaves of Monstera plants. While if you water in the morning, your Monstera can transpire the water during the day when the stomata are open.
Don’t Overwater your Monstera Plant
Make sure you are not overwatering your Monstera plant. Only water your Monstera when the soil feels dry. I don’t water my Monstera frequently- typically 1-2 times a week! I always feel the soil first before watering. I only water my Monstera if the soil feels dry.
Remember, guttation is normal on Monstera plants. It’s often seen as a sign of overwatering but that’s not 100% true. Your Monstera can still have guttation even if you have not watered it for days!
Since these water drops will not stain furniture and rugs, I’d say just leave them be and enjoy these beautiful water drops.
Check out my Monstera Plant care guides
Beginner’s Guide: Repotting Monstera deliciosa (video)
How to Take Care of Your Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)- Infographics
Why is my Monstera Leaves Dripping Water?
Quick Start Guide: What to do with New Monstera Plant when you bring it home (video)