Have you seen water droplets on your houseplant leaves? Find out what that means for your houseplants. The phenomenon is known as guttation.
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Today’s viewer-inspired video was prompted by a question from Channel the Spirit, who asked:
“What does it mean when there are water droplets on the leaves?”
I briefly answered this in another video, but I realized this would make a great topic to explore further.
If you’ve ever noticed water droplets on your plant leaves—not from recent watering but appearing suddenly—this is likely guttation. Guttation often occurs at the edges or tips of the leaves and can look like the plant is leaking or dripping.
Let me show you a photo of a leaf undergoing guttation so you can recognize it in your own plants.
So what is guttation?
Guttation is not dew. Dew forms externally from humidity and condensation, mostly outdoors. Guttation, however, happens indoors and involves liquid coming from inside the plant. It’s secreted through the plant’s pores, called stomata, which are the breathing holes of the plant. These are typically found underneath the leaves but can appear on the top as well.
Think of guttation as the plant sweating out excess moisture. It usually happens at night or early morning, especially after watering, when the air is humid, and the roots are actively absorbing water. This extra moisture moves through the plant and is expelled through the leaf tips.
The liquid expelled during guttation is known as xylem sap, which may contain enzymes, minerals, and other chemicals. This is different from transpiration, which happens during the day and involves water evaporating from the leaf surfaces into the air.
If you see guttation on your houseplants—especially after watering—don’t worry. It’s usually a sign of a healthy plant doing what it naturally would in the wild, like in tropical rainforests.
⚠️ The only concern is if you’re over-fertilizing. Excess nutrients may collect in the xylem sap and deposit salts on the leaf tips, leading to leaf burn. White deposits on leaf tips are a sign of salt buildup. In this case, reduce fertilization and consider leaching the soil—flushing it with water to remove excess salts.
So next time you see those shiny droplets, smile! That’s just your plant showing off its natural processes.
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FAQs About Guttation in Houseplants
What is guttation in houseplants?
Guttation is the process where water droplets form on the edges or tips of plant leaves due to excess moisture being expelled through the plant’s stomata.
Is guttation harmful to my plant?
No, guttation is a natural process and generally not harmful. It often indicates a healthy, hydrated plant.
Why does guttation usually happen at night?
Guttation typically occurs at night when humidity is high and roots continue absorbing water, leading to the release of excess moisture through the leaves.
Is guttation the same as dew?
No. Dew forms externally from humidity, while guttation comes from inside the plant and is secreted through stomata.
Can guttation cause leaf tip burn?
Yes, if you’re over-fertilizing, the xylem sap may carry excess salts to the leaf tips, leading to salt buildup and potential leaf burn.
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