Have you ever noticed tiny droplets of water clinging to the edges or tips of your plant’s leaves in the morning? It might look like your plant is crying—but don’t worry, this isn’t a sign of sadness. This little release of water is called guttation, and it's a natural process many plants go through.
Guttation happens when a plant absorbs more water than it needs, typically overnight when humidity is high and evaporation is low. Since the plant isn’t losing much water through evaporation during these hours, the internal pressure builds. To relieve it, the plant pushes out the excess water through special pores along the leaf edges.
In small amounts, guttation is completely normal and not a cause for concern. It’s just your plant’s way of managing moisture. However, if you’re seeing guttation frequently, it might be a sign that your plant is being overwatered. In that case, take a moment to check your watering schedule and soil moisture to make sure you're not giving your green friend more water than it needs.
Plants like monstera, pothos, and peace lilies are especially prone to guttation, so if you have any of those, give them a look in the morning and see if they’re releasing droplets. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how plants take care of themselves—and a subtle cue for you to fine-tune their care.