What is guttation?

Some plants have superpowers, such as purifying the air, reducing stress and stimulating creativity. Wonderful, isn't it? But did you know that plants also have some pretty weird quirks? Well, some plants have the ability to 'cry'.... They don't cry over a missed watering or when they lose a leaf, as you might expect. It's mainly something that is very useful to the plant and it's good to know what this actually is. Read on and find out.

Cry me a river

Drops may hang from the tips or edges of your plant's leaves. This happens because plants collect water in their roots. So when they need it, they can move it up the stem to drain it off. During this journey through the stem, some nutrients are absorbed along the way. Normally, the water and the small amount of nutrients would be released through the stomata, which are small holes on the leaf, but sometimes these stomata are closed. In most plants the stomata are closed at night, which is perfectly normal. This will result in the plant having to squeeze the water out of the edges and ends of their leaves. If your plant succeeds in this, this water will collect in tiny droplets at the edges. This natural process appears on every plant with a vascular system, so not only with houseplants. There are some plants that are well known for guttation. One of them is Alocasia, guttation is spotted very often on these plants. So if you have an Alocasia at home, you might have seen this happen on your plants before!

Here you can see the stomata

Is guttation bad for my plant?

Fortunately this process is not harmful to your plant, it’s actually a sign of a very healthy plant! Guttation is a sign of a healthy, active plant that’s perfectly hydrated.

However, there’s one thing to be careful about: fertilizer build-up. When plants absorb water that’s rich in nutrients, those minerals can travel up with the water. If the guttation droplets dry on the leaves, they may leave white residue or even cause leaf burn.

How to prevent leaf damage:

• Avoid over-fertilizing. Stick to the recommended dosage.
• Wipe guttation droplets off the leaves with a soft, moist cloth.
• Protect furniture: those droplets can sometimes leave stains.

Is guttation a sign of overwatering?

Yes… and no! Guttation doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve overwatered your plant — it just shows that your plant is efficiently moving water through its system. However, if guttation happens every night or the soil feels constantly wet, it might be time to let your plant dry out a bit between waterings.

Pro tip: Check your pot’s drainage holes and use well-draining soil to avoid soggy roots.

Guttation vs transpiration: what’s the difference?

Now that you know what guttation is, let’s clear up how it differs from transpiration — another way plants release water.

Guttation happens mostly at night or in high humidity, when the stomata (tiny pores) are closed. The plant can’t let water escape through evaporation, so it releases the excess pressure through the edges or tips of the leaves.

Transpiration, on the other hand, occurs during the day. When the stomata are open, water moves from inside the leaves into the air as vapour. This process helps the plant cool down and absorb nutrients efficiently.

In short: guttation is the plant gently pushing water out, while transpiration is the plant breathing water out. Both are essential — just happening at different times and in different ways.

A little plant magic in every drop!

If you notice guttation on your plants, there’s no need to worry! It’s simply nature doing its thing! These tiny droplets are a sign that your plant is healthy, hydrated, and thriving. Still, a few small care habits can help keep your leafy friend in top shape: water in the morning rather than at night, keep humidity between 50–70%, avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt build-up, and gently clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Plants never stop amazing us... Even their “tears” serve a purpose! Guttation is a beautiful reminder of how alive and active our plants really are. So next time you see little drops on your Alocasia’s leaves, she’s doing just fine.

Want to discover more about your plants’ secret talents? Explore our plant care guides to learn fascinating plant facts, or find new green friends at PLNTS.com.