Drops of Sticky dew .. ?

[atcrosby]

Today I doubled my shelf space in my bedroom so I can double my orchid collection. (Yes if ever there was a time for Orchids Anonymous, it's now!)

I have what I believe is a Brassidium with two flower spikes forming. Tonight at the base of each flower bud (none have opened yet) was a drop of sap (sticky to the touch). Is this a good sign?

I have not had much luck with oncidiums so curious if the new way of handling them is helping or hurting them.

[Ellen]

Tom,

A lot of orchids secrete a sort of sugar syrup (sap) from certain points, especially when they're growing a lot and when the weather is warm. The base of the flower buds is a typical place to see it. I wouldn't worry about it.

[desertgal]

My Brassidium just finished blooming. It also got the 'happy sap' droplets and bloomed beautifully. It is a perfectly healthy growing plant.

[atcrosby]

I like that you call it "Happy Sap". The spike has eight blooms. One turned a pink/brown while the others are now getting their normal tiger stripes prior to opening. That bloom probably isn't going to do anything. Keeing my fingers crossed on the others.

[jerrymeola]

Tom,

As others have said the sap is normal. I usually do not see it when the heat outdoors in Florida dries it so fast, but I know it is there by the large number of sugar ants that run up and down the flower spike collecting the sap.

The ants leave us alone otherwise so I do not bother them and enjoy the spectacle. It is a sign of nature at its best.

[Anton]

Originally Posted by jerrymeola

Tom,

The ants leave us alone otherwise so I do not bother them and enjoy the spectacle. It is a sign of nature at its best.

Unless they are harvesting Scale.

[atcrosby]

Well the first spike finally had it first set of blooms. The interesting thing about this Brassium's flowers (again mysterious Intergeneric Oncidium) is taht each flower has spots on the lip in different places making each one very unique.

Link to Flower

[Aniko]

Very pretty,indeed. My little Miltassia looks like Cinderella next to her...

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/gallery/d...hp?imageid=797