---
title: "Why my pothos has shiny sap on its leaves? I checked the pests but I…"
description: "Why my pothos has shiny sap on its leaves? I checked the pests but I could’t find anything wrong? Should I worry about it or is it normal?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/3dPoWMqR2m5qiyklJ14ZRa"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "My Babies"
published: "2025-10-16T19:12:45.775215Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JGWvCcvRgsTUuS3DKUHY0ZdU4Ec01l8Y3v38YRg8L90/jy4PuR7wTwu5IV6wyMnNXg.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Pests, diseases and problems](https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ.md)

# Why my pothos has shiny sap on its leaves? I checked the pests but I…

_Posted by My Babies on 2025-10-16_

Why my pothos has shiny sap on its leaves? I checked the pests but I could’t find anything wrong? Should I worry about it or is it normal?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JGWvCcvRgsTUuS3DKUHY0ZdU4Ec01l8Y3v38YRg8L90/jy4PuR7wTwu5IV6wyMnNXg.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/JGWvCcvRgsTUuS3DKUHY0ZdU4Ec01l8Y3v38YRg8L90/613MYJypTPetMfo4cZlotA.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### beeftataki commented on 2025-10-16

Mine have the same… no pests… not sure why but plant is very healthy

### Professor Sprout commented on 2025-10-16

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/J8o_IDQhzGpkeL4DpokvYn6NdzuSg3hNj06Q2QFC5HU/QgvC9URkQBOwJgcELMMhbg.webp?size=large)

#### My Babies replied on 2025-10-16

I’m not sure it’s sticky or not but when I wipe-out it with my finger it doesn’t get rid of easily. It’s not like water. Not sticky as well. It seems dry and shiny.

#### Professor Sprout replied on 2025-10-16

Interesting 🤔 well if the plant looks healthy and you can’t see any pests maybe it’s normal

### Nan commented on 2025-10-16

I believe it has to do with the sap, some of mine have that as well.

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ywoyxjGPQt3H70Xk99Po9QWZiq6tQ3uO6PORZ0v7LMk/7-8EV82IRq6TMlMNwYu29g.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ywoyxjGPQt3H70Xk99Po9QWZiq6tQ3uO6PORZ0v7LMk/q4NXu5akSyWTDpJIz7w9Tw.webp?size=large)

#### My Babies replied on 2025-10-17

Have you checked pests?

#### Nan replied on 2025-10-17

Yeah, I also randomly treat all my plants to ensure no pests are present.  
After a water if you pay close attention you will see the sap drip from the tip of the leaves.

#### Nan replied on 2025-10-17

Here’s an example

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/ywoyxjGPQt3H70Xk99Po9QWZiq6tQ3uO6PORZ0v7LMk/HEnyrWwgQGy9NtLgZxnnXg.webp?size=large)

### Emani🌸🩷 commented on 2025-10-17

That shiny or sticky sap you’re seeing on the leaves is usually caused by one of these three things and most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about:

1\. Natural guttation (most likely)

Pothos sometimes release a clear, shiny, sticky fluid from their leaf tips or surfaces it’s called guttation.  
• It happens when the plant pushes out excess moisture and minerals through special pores (especially at night or when humidity is high).  
• You might notice tiny droplets that dry glossy or sticky.  
Completely normal and harmless!  
You can just wipe it off gently with a damp cloth.

2\. Sap from minor damage

If a leaf was slightly bent, scratched, or nibbled by a small insect, it can leak a little sap that looks shiny when dry.  
Check if the shiny spots are always in the same area or on newer leaves if yes, it’s probably from minor injury.

3\. Less likely pest honeydew

If the shiny residue is sticky and appears again quickly after wiping, it could be from sap-sucking pests like aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects.  
To check carefully:  
• Look under the leaves and around the stems for tiny white cottony bits, brown bumps, or clear dots that move.  
• If none are found, you’re good.  
• If you do find any, wipe them off with a cotton pad dipped in diluted rubbing alcohol or use neem oil spray.

#### My Babies replied on 2025-10-17

Thank you! Maybe it’s normal

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