---
title: "Anybody know what causes a sugary water coating on my bird of…"
description: "Anybody know what causes a sugary water coating on my bird of paradise that I have been washing off and/or this funny texture. I also know I need to repot and…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/hfR4DxvFsGVKFY94KPjGzZ"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "Monstera questions"
published: "2026-09-24T14:52:03.330863Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PdvXWrpewwLqBSlz-ZyUsxQahXV724YTEq6ORxr8FpE/Ce0BYADhSHC1_jECWo6weA.webp?size=large"
---

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# Anybody know what causes a sugary water coating on my bird of…

_Posted by Monstera questions on 2026-09-24_

Anybody know what causes a sugary water coating on my bird of paradise that I have been washing off and/or this funny texture. I also know I need to repot and am scared so tips appreciated

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PdvXWrpewwLqBSlz-ZyUsxQahXV724YTEq6ORxr8FpE/Ce0BYADhSHC1_jECWo6weA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/PdvXWrpewwLqBSlz-ZyUsxQahXV724YTEq6ORxr8FpE/c9h3ASLgTqm8Naa4gtlTkg.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### Maggie Grace commented on 2026-09-24

From my experience, this is from inconsistent watering schedule. the wrinkles happen in the developing leaf when the soil/roots are too dry.

### Maggie Grace commented on 2026-09-24

But it also looks like it may have scale! hard to tell from the distant picture. If it does, you’ll have to treat for the nasty pests!

### Amateur plant mama commented on 2026-09-24

If your plant is leaking it has been over watered and it getting rid of excess through the leaves.

### Waspinator commented on 2026-09-24

The sugar is from overwatering (it's called guttation. A well hydrated plant may do it from time to time, but if it's doing it a lot, it's overwatering.) And the wrinkles are from inconsistent watering, going back and forth between too much and not enough while a new leaf forms. If you correct the issue, it should stop or reduce guttation, and new leaves will come in right. The wrinkled leaf will always be wrinkled

### Monstera questions commented on 2026-09-26

Thanks so much everybody - will space out my regular waterings more and see if things improve . I don’t think I have scale thankfully!

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