new to cattleya, sap on buds?

[Orchidity]

Hi,

My first Cattleya (hybrid) is budding, and today there appears to be sap droplets escaping from the end of buds. I'm fairly confident in my care of the plant, potting mix is just barely moist at this time, the only thing I can think of is perhaps too much light (heat) causing buds to bake inside?

I searched this forum but found no info. Any help would be most appreciated, 'cause I'm nervous about losing my first flowers.

Thanks in advance.

[tom499]

Dont worry about it

Usually called happy sap, its produced when plants are growing strongly, and often appears on new buds.

Theres been theories its linked to attracting ants to the plant, which kill off plant eating bugs that may harm the plant.

You can either leave it on, or wipe it off, makes no real difference

[Orchidity]

Hi Tom,

Thanks much for the quick reply! I was anything BUT happy this morning, glad to see that its normal.

Pheuff!!

[BunnytheOrchid]

Hi Orchidity,

Here's a similar thread. I had a question about it too, but I can't find my old thread. But yes it is sap, and it won't hurt your cattleya!

Sticky Phal

[Orchidity]

Hmm, does search not work in the forum? For the record, I will search before asking. First search was on

cattleya bud sap

but realized search characteristics are OR, not AND

so I searched on

sap

and got 0 hits (but a very kind "Sorry" message!)

Perhaps a question for newbie forum, but will ask here.

Thanks.

P.S. Thank you for the reply Bunny!

[BunnytheOrchid]

No worries Orchidity! Sometimes the search criteria isn't in the title of the thread. Hence Sticky Phal. But I'm glad I could help, and it's no reason for concern! Happy Growing!