Climate change scenarios forecast increased aridity in large areas worldwide with potentially important effects on nutrient availability and plant growth. Plant nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations (plant [N] and [P]) have been used to assess nutrient limitation, but a comprehensive understanding of drought stress on plant [N] and [P] remains elusive.We conducted a meta-analysis to examine responses of plant [N] and [P] to drought manipulation treatments and duration of drought stress.Drought stress showed negative effects on plant [N] (−3.73%) and plant [P] (−9.18%), and a positive effect on plant N : P (+ 6.98%). Drought stress had stronger negative effects on plant [N] and [P] in the short term (< 90 d) than in the long term (> 90 d). Drought treatments that included drying–rewetting cycles showed no effect on plant [N] and [P], while constant, prolonged, or intermittent drought stress had a negative effect on plant [P].Our results suggest that negative effects on plant [N] and [P] are alleviated with extended duration of drought treatments and with drying–rewetting cycles. Availability of water, rather than of N and P, may be the main driver for reduced plant growth with increased long-term drought stress.