Why does the giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhizos) drip water?

Plant leaves have “stomata” and “hydathodes”. Normally, the water absorbed by the roots is released as vapor through the stomata, but when the outside relative temperature is high and the humidity is high (such as in the morning or evening), the high temperature makes the roots absorb water vigorously, while the high humidity suppresses the evaporation of water from the stomata. As a result, the water has no choice but to flow out of the plant directly in liquid form through the hydathodes. This is called “guttation.”

Why does the giant taro drip water?

Usually, when the climate is relatively dry, the water discharged from the hydathodes quickly evaporates and disperses, so we do not see water droplets accumulating on the tips or edges of the leaves. Guttation is also caused by root pressure. When a plant grows vigorously and its root activity is strong, the amount of water released by guttation is also greater. Therefore, 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 andraeanum, Alocasia reginula, Alocasia micholitziana, Epipremnum aureum, Fittonia albivenis and many others all drip water. But why are only Alocasia macrorrhizos and Alocasia cucullata honored with the name “dripping guanyin”? Now it is clear: these two taros both drip water and bear flowers that resemble Guanyin, so they are honored with the name “dripping guanyin.”

When does the giant taro drip water?

As long as humidity is maintained, it will drip water. If the air humidity is too low, the water that comes out will immediately evaporate. Therefore, 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 water it drips is also toxic. Accidental contact with or ingestion of its sap will cause discomfort in the throat and mouth, and in severe cases it can also cause suffocation and lead to death from cardiac paralysis. Be careful not to let children touch it.