Why is My Monstera Dripping Water, Crying and Sweating?

I’ve had my Monstera for a few years now and I absolutely love it. However, not long after I got it, I was pretty shocked to notice that the leaves were creating a moist film, and looked like they were sweating. But why was my Monstera dripping water?

As it turns out, your Monstera sweating is actually a fairly common phenomenon with this type of plant. In this article, we will explore why Monsteras drip water and how you can prevent it from happening in your own home!

Why is my Monstera dripping water?

Your Monstera plant is likely dripping water because of a phenomenon known as guttation. This is a natural and necessary process for the plant and usually occurs when the leaves are exposed to high humidity, similar to humans when they sweat. 

The water droplets you see on your Monstera’s leaves are water that has been forced out of the plant due to transpiration. Transpiration is the process of water vapor leaving the stomata, or pores, on the underside of the leaf.

Transpiration can’t happen at night because the Monstera plant is not photosynthesizing and therefore doesn’t have the energy to open its stomata. However, the water still needs to leave the plant somehow, so it is forced out through special guttation pores on the leaf.

These guttation pores are located on the margins, or edges, of the leaves and they allow the water to escape without losing too much moisture from the plant itself.

Guttation vs dew

It’s important to note that guttation is different from dew. Dew forms when the temperature outside cools down and the air cannot hold any more water vapor. This moisture then condenses on surfaces like your Monstera leaves. As mentioned above, guttation occurs when the plant itself forces water out of the leaves.

The difference between guttation and dew can be determined by closely looking at the plant. Sweating Monstera leaves are going through the process of guttation if there are beads of moisture at the tip or edge of the leaves.

If you see dew on your plant, it will be more evenly distributed across the surface of the leaves. This is because dew is formed by the air, not the plant itself.

Dew occurs on outdoor plants while guttation is more common with indoor plants. This is because indoor plants are often placed in environments with high humidity, like bathrooms or kitchens.

Is it normal for Monstera to sweat?

Yes, it’s perfectly normal for Monstera to sweat. This process is also known as crying, leaking or, more formally, guttation. The plant gets rid of excess water through tiny holes called hydathodes which can be found at the tip of the leaf.

This isn’t an indication that your plant is sick or needs more water. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Your plant is likely getting too much water and is trying to get rid of the excess.

While this occurrence is normal, it’s important to be aware of how often it’s happening. If your plant is sweating constantly, that means that it may need the environment to change so that it can regulate its water intake.

Does guttation mean I am overwatering my Monstera?

It’s possible that you are overwatering your plant if you see guttation happening frequently. When a plant is overwatered, the roots are unable to take in all of the water and it begins to build up in the leaves. At this point, your Monstera sweats out this excess moisture.

Look for other signs of overwatering such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or a general lack of growth. You may also notice mold, pests, or fungal diseases if your Monstera plant is overwatered.

If you think you are overwatering your Monstera, the best course of action is to cut back on watering and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. You should also check the drainage of your pot to make sure that water is not sitting in the bottom and causing the roots to rot.

Find out more: Exactly How Often to Water Your Monstera

Other causes of Guttation

In addition to overwatering, there are a few other reasons why your Monstera might be dripping water:

1. The plant is root bound

If the plant is potbound (rootbound), that means the roots have taken over the entire pot and there is nowhere else for the water to go. The Monstera will start to sweat in order to get rid of some of the pressure on the root system.

This usually happens when the pot is too small for the plant (you can see some guidance here for what size pot your Monsera should have). You should repot your Monstera as often as necessary in order to prevent it from becoming rootbound. A Monstera should be replanted every one to two years.

2. The plant is stressed

Stress can cause a plant to start sweating as well. This could be due to a number of factors such as changes in temperature, light, or water. If you notice your plant sweating more when it’s moved or after a change in its environment, this is most

3. The plant is over-fertilized

Another cause of guttation is fertilization. When you fertilize your Monstera, the roots take in the nutrients and the plant starts to grow. This process can cause a build-up of water pressure in the leaves which will result in guttation.

It’s important to fertilize your plant regularly in order to keep it healthy. However, you should be careful not to over-fertilize as this can cause the plant to become stressed.

Is guttation bad for Monstera?

In general, guttation is safe for Monstera plants. However, if the water doesn’t drip off of the leaf and instead evaporates, it could leave a residual substance mostly made of salt and sugar. This leaves little white spots on the Monstera plant that don’t look very appealing.

Another potential risk of guttation is mold or mildew. If the water droplets sit on the leaves for too long, they can create an environment that is conducive to mold growth. This can be harmful to both the plant and the person handling it.

Since guttation is a regulatory process, it’s actually a good sign that your plant is healthy. However, if you notice it happening frequently, it’s important to take a closer look at your plant’s environment and watering habits.

How do you stop Monstera from sweating?

Even though it’s relatively harmless, if your Monstera is sweating, you may want to make some adjustments to make sure everything is ok. Here are some great tips:

1. Cut back on watering your Monstera

The main cause of guttation is overwatering, so the best way to stop it from happening is to cut back on watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and make sure that the pot has good drainage.

Another way to cut back on watering your Monstera is by using a smaller amount of water each time you water it. This will help to prevent the roots from taking in too much water and causing guttation.

2. Regulate the temperature

Temperature affects guttation, so try to keep the temperature around your Monstera consistent. If the room is too warm, the plant will sweat more. If the room is too cold, the plant will sweat less.

One way to regulate the temperature is by using an automatic thermostat. This will help to keep the temperature in the room at a consistent level.

3. Fertilize your Monstera regularly

Fertilizing your plant regularly will help to keep it healthy and prevent guttation.

However, be sure not to over-fertilize as this can cause stress to the plant. If you over-fertilize the plant, you may run into other problems such as leaf burn or more guttation.

4. Repot your Monstera every one to two years

If your plant is potbound, it will start to sweat in order to get rid of some of the pressure on the root system. Your Monstera is dripping water because the roots are constricted and can’t take in enough water.

You should re-pot your plant as often as necessary in order to prevent it from becoming rootbound. Every year or two, check the roots to see if they’re starting to become constricted. You’ll know they’re ready to be repotted when the roots are coming out of the bottom of the pot.

5. Give your Monstera a good pruning

Pruning your plant will help to keep it healthy and prevent guttation. Pruning helps to regulate the amount of water that’s taken in by the plant and it also helps to prevent stress.

Just make sure not to prune too much as this can damage the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves first. You should also remove any leaves that are touching the ground.

Find out more: How to Prune Your Monstera: The Ultimate Guide

6. Water your Monstera early in the day

A great trick for preventing guttation is to water your plant early in the day. This gives the plant time to absorb the water and the rest will evaporate as the heat picks up throughout the day.

If you water your plant at night, the water will sit on the leaves and may cause them to sweat. Watering in the morning will also help to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the leaves.

7. Change the soil

Using the right soil for Mostera can make a big difference in preventing guttation. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix that doesn’t hold onto water for too long.

Monstera plants like a slightly acidic potting soil that isn’t too dry or too moist. A tropical potting mix is your best bet if you’re not sure what kind of soil to use.

8. Introduce more light to your Monstera

Monstera plants like diffused light, similar to most tropical plants. However, this can cause more water retention and lead to sweating or crying leaves. Place your Monstera in a spot where it will get even brighter indirect light.

You can also introduce more light to your plant by using grow lights for your Monstera. This is a great option if you don’t have much natural light in your home.

9. Remove any sources of humidity

While Monstera like humidity as a general rule, if the air around your plant is too humid, your Monstera plant may begin to sweat. As mentioned anything that contributes to moisture around your Monstera should be removed. This may include trays of water or humidifiers. If it’s humid in your region, closing your windows could help to reduce moisture in the air.

Many homes also have a humidity setting on their thermostats. If you have this feature at home, simply adjust the setting to a lower number. This will help to reduce the amount of humidity in the air and prevent your plant from sweating.

10. Take your Monstera away from other plants

When plants are placed very closely together, they create a humid environment. While this may be great for plants that need more moisture, it’s not best for plants experiencing guttation.

Make sure to space out your plants so they have room to breathe. If you have a lot of plants, you may need to invest in a larger space or move some of your plants outdoors (you can even let your Monstera live outside if the conditions are right).

11. Add vermiculite to the potting mix

Vermiculite is a type of mineral that’s often used in gardening. It helps to absorb water and prevents the soil from becoming too compacted. This can help to reduce the amount of water retention and prevent guttation.

You can find vermiculite at most garden stores or online. Simply add it to your potting mix before planting your Monstera plant. You can also use perlite, which has a similar effect.

Either mix the vermiculite in with your soil and evenly spread it through the pot. Or, you can create a layer of vermiculite at the bottom of the pot before adding your plant.

12. Increase air circulation around your Monstera

One of the most important things you can do for the health of your plant is to increase air circulation. This helps to prevent moisture from building up and causing your plant to sweat.

You can increase air circulation by placing a fan near your plant or by opening a window. If you have a lot of plants, you may need to invest in an oscillating fan.