Een plant met waterdruppels op de bladeren.

What do you do when your plant drips?

Have you ever noticed tiny droplets of water on the tips of your plant’s leaves? Then you’ve most likely noticed guttation. Guttation can be an indicator of healthy water uptake and plant growth, but it can also be a sign of overwatering or other soil moisture problems. In this blog, we’ll explain what guttation is, why plants drip, which types of plants drip, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is guttation?

Guttation is a process where water droplets are excreted from the tips or edges of leaves of certain plants. This happens when the soil is moist and the plant has absorbed more water than can evaporate through the leaves during the day. It is not harmful to the plant and can be an indicator of healthy water intake and plant growth. However, the plant’s water droplets can leave some stains on your floor or furniture, so try to be careful!

Why is your plant dripping?

Guttation occurs when a plant has absorbed more water from the soil than can evaporate through the leaves during the day. This excess water is squeezed out of the plant by specialized structures called hydathodes, which are located at the tips or edges of leaves.

The primary function of guttation is to remove excess water from the plant. In addition, guttation can help regulate the water balance in the plant and prevent dehydration during periods of low soil moisture. In general, your plant dripping is a natural and normal process in certain plants and is not harmful to the plant. So, it can be an indicator of overwatering or other soil moisture problems in potted plants.

What kind of plants drip?

Not all plants exhibit guttation and the frequency and extent of guttation can vary depending on factors such as soil moisture, humidity levels and the growth stage of the plant. In addition, guttation is more commonly observed in younger plants with rapidly growing tissues.

Alocasia plants are known to exhibit guttation. This is because Alocasias have a high rate of water uptake due to their large and extensive root systems, which can lead to excess water in the plant’s tissues. When the plant is unable to evaporate all of this excess water through the leaves, guttation can occur, which can be found at the tips or edges of leaves. Guttation in Alocasia plants can also be a sign of overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other problems. Check out how to care for Alocasia here .

How do you avoid guttation?

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent gutattie. They are very easy and quick to do.

Step 1. Avoid Overwatering: Guttation is often caused by overwatering, so it’s important to only water your plants when they need it. Make sure the soil is moist but not soggy.

Step 2. Use well-draining potting soil : Well-draining soil helps prevent guttation by reducing the amount of water that remains in the soil.

Step 3. Choose the right pot : Use a pot with well-draining holes so excess water can easily escape from the soil.

Step 4. Reduce humidity: If the air around your plants is too humid, they may be more susceptible to guttation. You can reduce humidity by opening windows or using a dehumidifier.

Guttation is a natural process in which plants want to get rid of excess water. So if you notice small drops of water on the edge of your leaves, don't panic! With the above tips, you will no longer suffer from guttation!

Back to blog