
Why Liquid Dripping from Crepe Myrtle?
I thought of growing an easy-care plant in my backyard with beautiful blooms. I learned about crepe myrtle and decided to grow it in my backyard. This is an ideal landscape tree that may look perfect for any backyard. One thing that attracts my attention about crepe myrtle is that it requires less maintenance and little integration.
However, after a few days, I found my crepe myrtle to drip some liquid. This is a very common issue found with the crepe myrtle. If you have crepe myrtle in your backyard, you may also be thinking about why liquid is dripping from your crepe myrtle. In this article, I have shared what I learned about liquid dripping. I hope you get an overall idea about the causes, prevention, and care regarding the liquid dripping from crepe myrtle.
Do Crepe Myrtles Drip Water?
Many trees produce a liquid substance that can appear dripping water or sap-like. This process is often known as guttation. This is how the plants can rid themselves of excess moisture. In general, the crepe myrtle trees do not weep or drip. But some of them can go through the process of guttation.
In certain situations, the trees can excrete excess moisture or water. For example, when there is humidity or rapid transpiration rates, droplets can form at the tips and edges of the leaves and make the water or sap drip from the tree.
The trees can often exude sap-like substances. This can also occur as a natural part of the tree’s process or because of the physical damage. The liquids can combine water, liquids, minerals, or sap.
How Does Liquid Dripping in Crepe Myrtles Look Like?
Water dripping or sap in crepe myrtle resembles white, small, crusty deposits on leaves. The water or sap looks like crystals. If you see the white deposits, the liquid is dripping from your crepe myrtle. The liquids may include water, potassium, and sugar, leaving a little mound of dried crystals behind.
When guttation occurs, the droplets come at the edges or tips of the leaves. Sometimes, the liquid might not be pure water but a sap-like substance. This is the result of natural exudation or the release of fluids. The sap may have a thicker consistency than water. When the humidity is relatively high, the liquids evaporate from the leaves.
5 Reasons Why Liquid Dripping from Crepe Myrtle
There is a simple explanation if you wonder why the liquid drips from the crepe myrtle. Here are the major reasons why liquid dripping from crepe myrtle:
1. Guttation
You may be wondering why liquid dripped from the crepe myrtle. This may be happening because of the natural process. This process is known as guttation.
In this process, the water stays in the form of droplets. As a result, the droplets are exuded from the tips or the edge of the leaves.
Guttation may occur when the soil is very moist or the plants absorb the water faster than it generally does. Guttation is likely to happen when high humidity or transpiration rates are low.
2. Disease or Fungal Issues
In some cases, fungal infections or diseases can also affect the crepe myrtle tree and cause liquid dripping. For example- bacterial infections or powdery mildew can affect the vascular system and cause liquid dripping. The infections can often create water droplets or other liquid in the leaves and affect the tree.
3. Pest Infestation
Pest infestation refers to the process where the access points allow the pests to sneak in. This may happen when there is possible attraction from water, food, moisture, and humidity. These resources are necessary for the production of pests.
Insects like aphids, whiteflies, and scale insects can create a sugary substance like honeydew. The sugary substances accumulate on the leaves and branches. As a result, the liquid can drip down from the crepe myrtle. The dripping or weeping problem mainly occurs when the infestation is severe.
4. Environmental Factors
The environment is also a great factor behind the dripping of the liquid. Environmental factors like temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc., can trigger the issue and cause liquid dripping of the crepe myrtle trees. These factors affect the physiological processes of the crepe myrtle. As a result, liquid may drip from the tree.
5. Dripping of Sap
Crepe Myrtle trees can also release sap-like substances because of the natural process. The dripping occurs when there are injuries, cuts, or wounds on the tree bark. This kind of tree’s defense mechanism protects itself from pathogens. So, the dripping of sap redirects itself toward liquid dripping.
What to Do About Your Dripping Crepe Myrtle?
If you are facing any issues with your crepe myrtle or the liquid is dripping, you can do a few things to understand the cause and manage the situation. Here are the things you need to follow when the liquid is dripping:
Determine the Source of The Liquid
You need to observe the tree and identify the cause of the liquid. Find out the source of the liquid. Check out the water droplets at the edge of the leaves. Moreover, you also need to check whether there are aphids or scale insects. In some cases, this can happen because of the sap dripping.
Check if It Is Normal Guttation
You must check if this is the natural process of water dripping. Guttation is a normal process in which some liquid drips from the leaves. Remember that the normal guttation process does not cause any severe problems and does not need intervention. Do not overwater the crepe myrtle, and ensure the soil has proper drainage.
Check if There Are Signs of Pests.
Examine the tree for signs of pests. If you see insects like aphids or scales, you must apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils as a treatment. Follow all the instructions carefully while applying the soap or oil for better results.
Insecticides should only be used when it is extremely necessary because many insecticides can do more harm than good.
Prune Your Crepe Myrtle
You should also prune your crepe myrtle. Cut off the damaged and diseased branches. Pruning will help to maintain the health and structure.
Prune away any damaged or diseased branches. Properly prune your crepe myrtle to maintain its health and structure. Ensure good air circulation and sunlight to ensure the tree’s good health.
Address if There Are Any Fungal Issues
You also need to check whether there are any diseases or fungal issues. Some diseases or fungal issues can also cause the leaves to drip liquids like water or sap.
Implement Proper Tree Care
In this step, you need to maintain the tree’s health. You need to water and fertilize the tree as much as needed regularly. Avoid excessive watering or fertilization, which can stress the tree and affect its health.
Take Preventive Measures
Once you identify the cause of the liquid dripping, you must take some preventive measures. For example – you can maintain good garden hygiene, monitor pests regularly, and avoid enjoying the tree.
Consult an Expert
After identifying the problem, you may wonder about your steps. You can now seek advice from an expert. The experts will suggest to you the ways through which you can solve the problem of water dripping from the crepe myrtle.
How to Clean Crepe Myrtle Liquid?
If your crepe myrtle contains water drops or sap-like substances, you may need to remove the liquid from the tree. Here is how you can clean the crepe myrtle liquid:
Use a Mixture of Warm Water and Soap
Make a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Take the soapy water and use a soft brush to clean off the sticky and watery substance. Rinse it off with clean water and repeat it if needed. You can also use this soapy water to clean the mold from the crepe myrtle leaves.
Gentle Washing
If the leaves of your crepe myrtle leave a sticky residue, you can gently wash them. You may need a soft cloth soaked in mild, soapy water. In this phase, you need to wipe the affected areas of the tree gently.
Avoid harsh cleaners while cleaning the liquid dripping from your crepe myrtle. Abrasive tools can damage the tree’s leaves and further stress the tree.
Pruning
If the liquid is dripping from any wounded or broken branch, you must prune the affected branch of the tree and cut the affected parts of the tree. While pruning, you must use clean and sharp tools and sterilize them properly.
Dry Off Naturally
In some cases, the liquid may dry off naturally. It can happen when the liquid is exposed to sunlight and air. This is the natural process to clean the crepe myrtle liquid from the tree.
How Do You Prevent Liquid from Dripping from Crepe Myrtle?
Follow some instructions if you want to prevent or minimize the liquid dripping. First of all, you need to maintain a consistent watering routine. You should water the crepe myrtles properly and avoid over-watering simultaneously.
Fertilize the crepe myrtle as needed. Overfertilization can stress the tree. You must also check the crepe myrtle and manage the insects, aphids, or others. If you identify the pest infestations earlier, it can prevent excessive liquid dripping.
The environmental condition should also be taken into consideration. Strong winds and a humid environment can cause stress on the crepe myrtle. Ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation to avoid liquid dripping from the tree.
Conclusion
Crepe Myrtle is a landscape tree with beautiful blooms. This is the best choice for any backyard and to decorate the house. If you have a crepe myrtle in your backyard, you may have seen some liquid dripping from the tree. The liquid may drip for several reasons.
However, you must identify whether it is due to guttation, pest infestation, diseases, or environmental factors. Now, you know what to do when liquid drips from crepe myrtle and the preventive measures.
FAQs
Does Guttation Cause Liquid Dripping from Crepe Myrtles?
Guttation is a natural process that can cause the liquid to drip from the crepe myrtles. Guttation can happen in crepe myrtle in humid environments or when the moisture is high. This is a natural process of liquid dripping in which droplets are dripping from the edge of the leaves.
Is Crepe Myrtle Poisonous to Humans?
Crepe myrtles are non-toxic and do not harm humans. Many people use crepe myrtle for therapeutic purposes and other purposes. So, crepe myrtle is not poisonous to humans at all.
How Do You Make Crepe Myrtles Grow Faster?
Fertilize the crepe myrtles, maintaining a routine. During spring and summer, fertilize the crepe myrtles every two weeks. A good water and fertilizer routine can make the crepe myrtles grow faster.
How Long Does It Take a Crepe Myrtle to Grow Fully?
A crepe myrtle can grow faster, it can increase more than 24 inches per year. The trees can generally grow between 15-25 feet and take 5-10 years to mature.
How Do You Protect Crepe Myrtles?
It is suggested to wrap the young crepe myrtle, especially in winter. Wrapping will add an insulating filler and protect the crepe myrtles. There are also shrub jackets that are known to cover the entire crepe myrtle plant and protect them.