Why does the Giant Taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos) drip water?

Plant leaves have “stomata” and “hydathodes”. Under normal circumstances, the water absorbed by the roots is released to the outside in gaseous form through the stomata, but when the outside relative temperature is high and humidity is high (such as in the morning or evening), the high temperature makes the root absorption vigorous, and the high humidity inhibits the water from transpiring out through the stomata, so the water has no choice but to flow out of the body directly in liquid form through the hydathodes. This is called “guttation”.

Why does the Giant Taro drip water?

Normally, when the climate is relatively dry, the water discharged from the hydathodes quickly evaporates and dissipates, so we do not see water droplets accumulating on the tips or edges of the leaves. Guttation is also caused by root pressure. When the plant grows robustly and the root activity is strong, the amount of water released is also greater, so guttation can serve as an indicator of the physiological activity of the root system.

In fact, many plants have this “guttation phenomenon”. Alocasia cucullata, Anthurium, Alocasia reginula, Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’, pothos, white Fittonia, and so on all drip water. But why is it that only Alocasia macrorrhizos and Alocasia cucullata are crowned with the name “Drip Guanyin”? Now it is clear: these two taro plants drip water and their flowers look like Guanyin, so they are crowned with the name “Drip Guanyin”.

When does the Giant Taro drip water?

Maintaining humidity allows it to drip water. If the air humidity is too low, the water that comes out evaporates immediately, so dripping generally occurs more in the morning and is called the “guttation” phenomenon.

Precautions when the Giant Taro drips water

However, the white sap in the stem of the Giant Taro is toxic, and the dripping water is also toxic. Accidental contact with or ingestion of its sap will cause discomfort in the throat and mouth, and in severe cases can also cause suffocation and lead to death from cardiac paralysis. Be careful not to let children touch it.