Sticky Phal

[Sandra Hedges]

I have just noticed on my phal flower spike, quite close to the flowers, some minute droplets of what initially looks like water, but are in fact sticky clear droplets of something! When wiped off they leave the stem sticky.

They are very tiny about the size of a pin head, and there are 10 droplets.

Any ideas as to what these may be, and any advice will be appreciated.

Sandra

[Nancy]

Welcome Sandra. You'll really like this forum. They're really helpful here. More than likely what you have are sap droplets. It's perfectly natural for buds to produce this substance. Sometimes it is caused by an aphid infestation, so always check your plants for the little buggers. Happy growing!

[BunnytheOrchid]

Hi Sandra! I had the exact same concern about a week ago. I found little water droplet like things on the new pseudobulb of my cattleya, and they came back even when I wiped them away with water. I was told by all the educated people here that it is sap! I had no idea orchids made sap, but apparently they do. No cause for concern! They also tend to appear near flowers and new growth, so you're good to go!

[PhalPal]

I have sap on lots of my Cymbidium buds that I grow outdoors. Usually there are aphids involved, so I spray the buds with a cinnamom mix (all natural) just in case they are present. It doesn't hurt the buds and takes just one treatment. I works well on Phals too.

[Sandra Hedges]

Thanks for all your advice. The sticky drops are actually on the flower spike, the flowers have been out now for a couple of months and there are no more buds!
I will wipe the drops off and keep a watchful eye on my plant.
Thanks again.

Sandra.