Why Your Pothos is Dripping Water | Top 4 Causes

The top reasons why pothos leaves drip water are due to hot, humid weather, stress and overwatering. Pothos leaves will drip water through the process called ‘guttation’ where the plant gets rid of extra water, sap and nutrients through their leaves. If your outdoor pothos is dripping water this could be condensation rather than guttation

This article will explore why pothos leaves will drip water, and give you an easy guide to stop it from happening.

Understanding Your Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular indoor plant known for its attractive foliage and easy care. It is also commonly referred to as devil’s ivy due to its ability to grow in low light and neglect. Pothos plants are native to the Solomon Islands and are a member of the Araceae family.

Pothos plants are characterized by their heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet in length. The leaves can be variegated, with shades of green, yellow, and white, or solid green. 

Pothos plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. They prefer bright, indirect light and can burn in direct sunlight. They can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefer temperatures between 65-85°F. Pothos plants require well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.

Why Pothos Leaves Drip Water

Pothos plants dripping water from the tips of their leaves is a completely normal process. The water droplets can sit on the tips of the leaves and the edges and can drip down onto your bench. This process is called guttation, sweating, crying or weeping which is generally where water droplets drip from the leaves. There is a mix of sap, minerals and water from the plant. This also happens to larger, tropical plants such as bananas.

This happened to my pothos after I had given it a lot of water. The weather was humid and the plant naturally released the extra water and sap through the tips of its leaves. This can happen if you keep the plant in a very humid area, near a window that reflected heat or water it frequently.

Top 4 Causes of Pothos Dripping Water (Guttation)

While guttation is a natural process, there are certain conditions that will cause your plant to drip. Here are the top reasons why your pothos is dripping water.

1. Overwatering

Overwatering is the most common reason why Pothos plants drip water. The plant will release excess water through the leaves alongside sap and nutrients can help to save the plant from overwatering. Pothos plants prefer moist soil, but too much water can lead to root rot, yellow leaves or brown spots on the leaves or stems. If the soil is too saturated, the plant will try to eliminate excess water by sweating it out of its leaves.

To fix this issue, you should reduce the amount of water you give your Pothos plant. Make sure the soil is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. You can also check the drainage holes on the bottom of the pot to ensure they are not blocked. Poor drainage will cause water to sit in the bottom of the pot and cause rot.

It is important to only water pothos when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. If you notice the leaves drooping add more water but otherwise the plant will be happy with a deep water less often.

To water your pothos, take it over to your sink and wet the soil until you see the water drain through. This will give the plant enough water without causing problems. 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.

2. High Humidity and Hot Weather

Hot, humid weather are common reasons that a pothos plant will sweat or drip water. Pothos plants enjoy warm weather and moisture but very high temperatures and humidity can cause plant stress. When humidity levels drop or change suddenly, Pothos plants guttate to get rid of excess water vapor to balance out the liquid in their system.

To fix this issue, you should try to maintain a consistent humidity level around your Pothos plant. You can use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. If the humidity is too high, you can try to reduce it by increasing ventilation or moving the plant to a drier location.

3. Temperature Changes

Temperature changes can also cause Pothos plants to drip water. When the temperature drops suddenly, or there is suddenly low humidity levels the plant will try to eliminate excess water to balance out the liquid in its system. This can cause water to drip from the leaves.

To fix this issue, you should try to maintain a consistent temperature around your Pothos plant. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or in areas with extreme temperature changes. You can also cover the plant with a cloth or plastic sheet to protect it from a sudden drop in temperature.

4. Stress from repotting

Stress can cause pothos to drip water when they are repotted, transported or their position is changed. If a pothos plant is used to being in full shade and it is moved into more sunlight it can cause the leaves to drip water.

Transporting pothos can also cause stress to the plant and it may drip water as a result. Taking the plant home from a nursery or delivering it as a gift to a friend can cause the soil moisture levels to drop causing the plant to stress.

Always remember to take your plant out of your car as soon as you can. Cars can heat up quickly causing the plant to lose water and killing it quickly.

Pothos are a hardy plant that will recover quickly. If the soil looks dry, water plants deeply and avoid overwatering.

Effects of Water Dripping on Pothos

If you have noticed your Pothos plant dripping water, it is important to understand the effects it can have on the plant. 

1. Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a fungal disease that can cause the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. If your Pothos is dripping water excessively, it may be a sign that the plant is being overwatered, which can lead to root rot.
2. Pest infestation or fungal diseases: Standing water can attract pests such as fungus gnats and spider mites, which can damage the plant and spread to other plants in the area. It can also cause fungal diseases such as root rot. If your Pothos is dripping water, it is important to monitor the plant for signs of pest infestation.
3. Reduced growth: Excessive water dripping can also lead to reduced growth and stunted development. If the plant is expending too much energy on removing excess water, it may not have enough energy to grow and thrive.

To prevent these negative effects, it is important to address the cause of the water dripping. If the plant is being overwatered, reduce the amount of water you are giving it and ensure that the soil has proper drainage. If the humidity is too high, consider moving the plant to a location that gets more air circulation. 

By addressing the cause of the water dripping, you can help your Pothos plant thrive and avoid potential damage.

How to stop pothos dripping and marking your furniture

Pothos can leave marks on your furniture if the ‘guttation’ drips onto it. The sap in the water will leave white marks and can be slightly sticky.

To prevent pothos from making marks on your furniture when it drips place a waterproof placemat underneath the plant if this happens regularly. Hot, humid days will be the time that pothos are more likely to do this.

You can reduce guttation by allowing better air circulation by opening a window. This reduces humidity if a breeze is allowed to pass by the leaves. Reducing your watering schedule when the weather is humid will reduce the drips from your pothos leaves.

Why outdoor pothos plants drip water

Outdoor pothos plants can drip water if condensation forms on the leaves early in the morning. Condensation will look clear, will be purely water which comes from the atmosphere and settles on the leaves. This is different to the guttation drips 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 on outdoor pothos that are exposed to open windows during the night and early morning. Pothos grown undercover are also less likely to create dew or have water dripping naturally in this way.

Outdoor pothos plants will get rid of extra water and nutrients through the process of guttation the same as indoor pothos. 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 they are exposed to very humid conditions.

How to Prevent Your Pothos Dripping Water

Here are some easy ways to stop your pothos from dripping water.

Proper Watering Techniques

To stop pothos plants from crying or dripping it is important to avoid overwatering. Only water your pothos when you feel dry soil 1-2 inches below the surface. 

When watering, make sure you water thoroughly, allowing the water to drain out of the bottom of the pot. Do not let your pothos sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. Check your pothos on a regular basis to make sure it is not too dry or too wet.

Controlling Humidity

High humidity can also cause water to drip from your pothos plants. To prevent this, make sure your pothos is not placed in a location with high humidity, such as a bathroom or kitchen. If you live in a humid climate, consider using a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in your home. You can also place a tray of water near your pothos to increase the humidity around the plant.

Managing Temperature

Extreme temperature changes can also cause water dripping from pothos plants. To prevent this, make sure your pothos is not placed near a drafty window or door. Keep your pothos in a location with consistent temperatures, away from heaters or air conditioning vents.

By following these simple tips, you can prevent water dripping from your pothos and keep your plant healthy and happy.

Conclusion

Your pothos plant may drip water due to a process called guttation or transpiration. Guttation occurs when the plant releases excess water vapor through its leaves, while transpiration is the process through which plants lose water through tiny pores called stomata.

The most common cause of guttation is overwatering but high humidity and sudden environmental changes can also cause this to happen. To prevent this, make sure to keep the humidity levels in check and avoid overwatering your plant. If you notice sudden changes in your plant’s environment, try to acclimate it gradually to the new conditions.

On the other hand, transpiration is a natural process in plants that helps them regulate their water intake and maintain their internal balance. If your pothos is transpiring, it means that it is healthy and functioning properly. However, if you notice excessive transpiration, it may be a sign of stress or dehydration. In this case, make sure to water your plant adequately and provide it with the necessary nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you water a pothos plant?

Pothos plants prefer to be kept lightly moist, but not overly wet. The frequency of watering will depend on various factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of soil, and the humidity levels in the environment. As a general rule, you should water your pothos when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Why are my pothos leaves dripping water?

If your pothos leaves are dripping water, it could be a sign of guttation. Guttation is a natural process through which plants excrete excess water through tiny pores called stomata. The main causes are high humidity levels or overwatering. To prevent guttation, ensure that your pothos is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining.

What causes guttation in plants?

Guttation occurs when plants excrete excess water through their stomata. This usually happens when the humidity levels are high or when the plant has been overwatered. The excess water is pushed out of the plant to maintain a balance between the water and mineral content in the plant’s system.

How do you propagate pothos?

Pothos plants are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. To propagate your pothos, take a stem cutting that has at least two leaves and a node. Place the cutting in water or moist soil until plant roots develop, then transplant it to a pot with well-draining soil.

What are the different types of pothos plants?

There are several different types of pothos plants, including the Golden Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, Jade Pothos, and Neon Pothos. Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as leaf shape, color, and variegation.

How can you tell if a pothos plant is overwatered?

Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues in pothos plants. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting, and a mushy stem. To prevent overwatering, ensure that your pothos is planted in well-draining soil and that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Will dripping from pothos leaves harm the plant?

Pothos 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. You can also wipe the drip marks off with some eucalyptus spray or some warm, soapy water.

How to know I the plant is dripping from guttation or dew

Dew can form on the leaves on outdoor pothos plants, this usually happens in the morning and will by dry when the sun appears. Water dripping from guttation can happen throughout the day, can leave white marks on the ground or leaves from the sap and minerals and will often happen when the weather is warmer rather than cool.