Why is your houseplant dripping?

During guttation, fluid emerges through specialized openings at leaf tips or margins. These openings are called hydathodes. When the root ball is moist and little water evaporates from the leaves, root pressure can push fluid upwards. Drops are therefore often noticeable in the morning, particularly in humid, still air.

The fluid comes from inside the plant and contains dissolved substances. It differs from the invisible loss of water vapor known as transpiration. The University of Missouri explains the role of root pressure.

First consider whether water reached the leaf from outside. After rinsing or misting, drops can run across the surface and collect at a tip. Dew is external water too: water vapor from the air condenses on a sufficiently cool surface. The position of one drop does not establish guttation. It helps to see whether fresh drops appear without wetting the leaf again.

Guttation fluid can also be sticky. Some plants, including hoyas and crotons, also have nectar-producing glands outside their flowers. These extrafloral nectaries are a separate source of sugary drops.

Stickiness alone is not enough to identify the cause. Look at where the fluid appears and whether your plant species has such glands. Do not simply scrape off an unfamiliar bump. If you cannot identify the structure or possible insects, have close-ups assessed alongside a photograph of the whole plant.

Honeydew is sugary waste produced by sap-sucking insects. It can drip onto lower leaves, windowsills and furniture. Turn leaves over and inspect veins, stems and leaf bases. Small attached shields, white cottony clusters or groups of insects on new growth point to different pests.

Isolate the plant if you find insects or have good reason to suspect an infestation. Our houseplant pest guide helps you identify the signs; white clusters are covered in the mealybug guide. Wiping removes residue but does not resolve an infestation. Identify the pest before choosing treatment.

Lift the nursery pot briefly and feel below the surface of the mix. If it is still heavy and the mix is wet, do not add more water. With ordinary soil-based pots, empty water from the outer pot or saucer and inspect the drainage holes. Our watering guide explains differences between plants and systems.

Let the root ball dry to the degree appropriate for the species, rather than drying it out completely because of the drops. Plants often lose less water in cooler or more humid conditions; the RHS explains this relationship. Drops are not a measuring instrument, however. Use our humidity guide to assess conditions around the plant.

Photograph the drops and their location before removing them. Wipe large, smooth leaves with a soft cloth dampened with plain water, supporting the leaf from underneath. A homemade dish-soap mixture is unnecessary and may damage the leaf surface.

Hairy leaves need a different approach rather than routine wet wiping. Our leaf-cleaning guide explains the exceptions. Save the time, last watering and any new residue in your Plantly journal. You can then return to the same spot at your next inspection.

If the plant otherwise looks healthy, a few drops usually call for inspecting the root ball and leaves. Worsening wilt while the mix stays wet is not explained by guttation. Examine the roots using our guide to overwatering and root rot.

Expanding spots, soft plant tissue or recurring sticky residue with unidentified objects also need investigation. Show a plant advice service overview and detail photographs, and explain what has changed since the first picture.