Guttation
Beads of water at leaf tips or edges in the morning, pushed out by the roots overnight; harmless.
What you'll see
- Clear droplets lined up along leaf edges or hanging from leaf tips, usually early in the morning.
- Often seen on grass blades, tomatoes and leafy plants after a cool, humid night.
- The droplets dry during the day, sometimes leaving a faint white mineral mark.
Why it happens
On cool, humid nights with warm, moist soil, roots keep pushing water up while the leaves can't lose it. Special pores at the leaf edges then release the extra water.
What to do
- Nothing to treat: guttation is normal, and the water lost costs the plant almost nothing.
- Water by need rather than on a schedule, since very wet soil makes it more frequent.
- Wipe off white mineral marks with a damp cloth if they bother you.
Keep it from coming back
- Know the difference: guttation beads sit at leaf tips and edges, while dew covers the whole leaf.
Sources
General guidance, not a diagnosis. For valuable, edible or outdoor crops, check with a local extension service or plant expert. Use any product exactly as its label says, and keep children and pets away while it dries.