Monstera leaves dripping water | Why this happens + Solutions

Monstera leaves will drip water through the process called ‘guttation’ where the plant gets rid of extra water, sap and nutrients through their leaves. This is a natural process that often occurs during humid weather or if the plant has been overwatered. Outdoor monstera plants can also drip water if they are covered in condensation on cold mornings.

This article will explore why monstera leaves drip water, if this is a problem and how to stop it from happening.

Why outdoor monstera plants will drip water

Outdoor monstera plants can drip water if condensation forms on their leaves early in the morning . The water will look clear and usually dries quickly as soon as the sun appears. It will form across the leaf surface rather than on the edges and will happen when the weather is cool.

It is rare to get condensation on indoor plants but occurs during the cooler months on outdoor monstera. Monstera grown undercover are also less likely collect dew on their leaves.

Outdoor monstera plants will get rid of extra water and nutrients through the process of guttation where the plant will ‘sweat’ out extra water, sap and nutrients. This helps to balance out the water levels in the plant. This can happen if it is over watered or if the weather is very humid.

Is it normal for monstera to drip water?

It is completely normal for monstera to drip and release water from the leaves. The water droplets can sit on the tips of the leaves and the edges and can drip down onto furniture indoors.

To prevent monstera from making marks on furniture when it drips place a waterproof placemat underneath. This will catch the drips and can be wiped clean. Hot, humid summers can increase guttation.

Guttation or sweating, crying or weeping is a normal process for monstera both indoors and outdoors. This process also happens to larger, tropical plants such as banana trees.

For more on this check out my previous article: Why is my banana tree dripping water? | The amazing answer

What causes monstera leaves to drip water

The top reasons why monstera leaves drip water are due to hot, humid weather, stress and overwatering.

Hot, humid weather

Hot humid weather can cause a monstera plant to sweat or drip water. This allows the plant to release the extra nutrients, water and sap built up in the plant.

Stress from repotting, moving or too much sun

Stress can cause monstera to drip water when they are repotted, transported or their position is changed. If a monstera plant is moved from full shade into more sun can sometimes drip water due to the change.

Transporting monstera can also be a stressor that can cause the plant to drip water from its leaves. Taking the plant home from a nursery or delivering it as a gift to a friend can change the water balance, expose the plant to too much heat and cause it to drip water.

Don’t worry if this happens because monstera are a hardy plant that will recover quickly. If the soil looks dry, water the plant deeply.

Too much water

Too much water can cause monstera plants to drip water. Releasing the excess water, sap and nutrients through the leaves can help to save the plant from overwatering.

It is important to only water monstera when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Monstera are a tropical plant but actually survive quite well with watering only every 2-3 weeks in spring, fall and winter indoors. In summer you may need to increase watering to once per week if the weather is hot. If you notice the leaves drooping add more water but otherwise the plant will be happy with a deep water less often.

To reduce the chance of monstera leaves dripping water allow the plant to drain thoroughly after watering. Take the plant over to your sink and thoroughly wet the soil allowing the water to drain through. This will help to avoid the roots sitting in water in the bottom of the pot tray or outer pot and stop the plant getting too much water.

How to stop monstera plants from crying, dripping and sweating

To stop monstera plants from crying or dripping it is important to avoid overwatering. Only water monstera every 3-4 weeks or when the soil feels dry. Indoor monstera plants will benefit from air movement so open a window if the day is warm and humid.

Avoid putting monstera plants in full sun as this can stress the plant and make sure the roots are not sitting in water in the bottom of a pot tray.

Dripping from monstera leaves will not harm the plant

Monstera plants with dripping leaves will not be in any danger. The water dripping from the plant will not cause any harm but can leave white marks on your pot or the table the plant is sitting on.

If this happens often a placemat can help to catch the drips but it is best to adjust your watering and give the plant more air flow.

Monstera dripping water from dew

Dew can form on the leaves on outdoor monstera plants. This usually happens in the morning and will dry out when the sun appears. Water from morning dew will dry quickly and can naturally help to water the plant. It will not cause harm and differs from the water dripping from the monstera pores.

Water that drips from the pores of monstera or ‘guttation’ can happen throughout the day, may leave white marks on the ground or leaves from the sap and minerals and will happen when the weather is warmer rather than cool.

Monstera leaves dripping water | Summary

Monstera leaves will drip water through the natural process of ‘guttation’ where excess water, sap and nutrients are released. Dripping can also occur on outdoor monstera plants where condensation forms on the leaves on cold mornings and naturally drips off. This is clear and different to the ‘sweating’ that can come on warm and humid days.

Both water dripping from dew or guttation will not harm the plant. If you notice the drips are drying white, this could mean you are overwatering so slow down your watering schedule and allow the plant 3 weeks to dry. Continue to water every 3-4 weeks to keep montsera happy.

Happy growing.