When I was a kid and I thought my plants were crying. It was such a humanlike thing to do, and I couldn’t understand why a plant would cry. I just feel like over these years I’ve kind of realized those aren’t tears but are part of this really fascinating natural process.
It’s not particularly unusual to find plants with droplets on their leaves. People have seen this happening and have wondered about the reason behind it. These “crying” plants are actually undergoing a process called guttation. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, allow me to share a bit more about my own journey with these amazing organisms.
I remember my late grandmother’s garden, a small sanctuary for greener things that were so alive, and well cared for. She was just good at everything to grow really beautiful, and I used to find her looking at her plants early in the morning. One day, she saw the droplets on her strawberry plants: “These aren’t tears, my dear. You have literally nothing to worry about; the plants are just releasing a bit of excess moisture.” It was an elementary explanation, yet intriguing all the same.
What is Guttation?
Guttation is the exudation of drops of xylem sap on the tips or edges of leaves of some vascular plants. This generally occurs during the night when the ground is wet and the humidity level is high. (formed by condensation, guttation occurs because the plant’s water pressure is pushing droplets to its surface.)
At night, when transpiration slows down because of cooler temperatures and higher humidity, water can be pushed up through the plant by root pressure. The water — and also the minerals and such — is then squeezed out through specialized structures, called hydathodes, found out the margins of the leaf. The result, of course, is those tiny, shimmering droplets that can look like tears, if mishandled.
What is Transpiration?
Transpiration – The movement of water from the soil, into the roots of plants, up through the plant, and into the atmosphere as water vapour through the stomata on the leaves. This not only cools the plant but also carries nutrients and minerals from the soil to different parts of the plant.
Transpiration is an important control for plant water balance and nutrient uptake. It is powered by the gradient of water potential between the plant and the air around it, which results in water moving from high potential zones (payments within the plant) to low potential zones (the atmosphere).
Guttation vs. Transpiration
Both guttation and transpiration are processes that involve movement of water within plants, but under different conditions and by different mechanisms. Most transpiration occurs during the day, when the stomata are open for the exchange of gases and water vapour. It’s an ongoing task, fueled by solar power and atmospheric need.
Guttation typically happens at night or in the early morning when transpiration is not appreciable. It is pressurized by the root, not pulled by the atmosphere. Hydathodes are what makes guttation distinct from transpiration, as they are adapted for release of excess water.
Stressed Plants?
Now you might be wondering whether these are “crying” droplets and an example of plant stress. Most of the time they are normal responses and not a concern (thanks goodness). But if you notice guttation and it’s accompanied by other symptoms of stress, like yellowing leaves, wilting or stunted growth, it may indicate an overwatered plant or a soil drainage issue. You also need to look at the overall health of your plants to determine whether intervention is necessary.
Cry for Help?
While guttation by itself is not usually a cry for help, it might signal that a plant’s environment should be adjusted. For example, guttation can be caused by overwatering or humid conditions. You need to let the soil drain but also avoid overwatering.
Guttation is a cool part of plant physiology that shows how complex the uptake of water in plants is while also with water of various ions. It also opens a window into how these seemingly simple organisms work. As you observe guttation, you can glean helpful information about your plant’s water status and health (and learn a little about the best care habits).
What to Do
In the event that you do observe guttation on your plants, there are some things you can do to keep your plants healthy:
Watch Watering Techniques: Make certain that you do not over water. For most plants the soil can dry out a little between waterings. Panicking and overwatering could create root rot and more problems. I used to make this mistake a lot and I even killed a few of my plants by doing this.
Improve Soil Drainage: Your plants MUST have excellent drainage.
Adjust the Humidity: For plants in high-humidity environments, consider using a dehumidifier or improving ventilation to decrease the moisture.
Check for other signs of stress: Check for other signs such as color of leaves and growth habits. Put a stop to anything stressful as quickly as you can. ASAP
As plant enthusiasts, learning how guttation occurs can add to our appreciation of these green friends. While it’s not as impressive as plants crying, guttation provides a most lovely example of the way plants interact with their environment. So the next time you spy those droplets on your plants, you’ll know that they are already just managing their own water and nutrients.
