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Orchid sap on stem

Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
in Plants
Last plant question from me this morning, thanks for any help! My orchid has started leaking sap from the flower spike (can see the droplets in photo 3). Should I cut it off? I cut it back a few months ago when the flowers finished, to the node which looked lovely but has not grown any further. 

Pests: I have previously removed scales with cotton buds, just seen two I will do now (photo 1 - the other spike from the droplets) but they don’t release honeydew? 

I have researched this one online but it says sap only comes out from flower buds. 

Water once a week with orchid feed. Does not sit in water. No sign of any other pest. It otherwise looks happy? 

Just this sticky sap and no flower spike progress 🙁

Any ideas? 


Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    From our orchids we don't cut back flower spikes until they really go brown. Any ones that are still green we leave them as they can produce new flower spikes. So not sure what you mean about the sap .
    We spray every other day and only water during the growing season with rain water.
  • Ann85Ann85 Posts: 64
    bertrand-mabel said:
    From our orchids we don't ycut back flower spikes until they really go brown. Any ones that are still green we leave them as they can produce new flower spikes. So not sure what you mean about the sap .
    We spray every other day and only water during the growing season with rain water.
    Thank you yes the flowers were completely brown and had fallen off when I cut it back. Re: the sap. There are droplets of sticky clear substance on the flower spike (not leaves) but I cannot see any bugs etc. 
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited October 2022
    The advice I read for phalaenopsis (moth orchids) is to cut the flower stem back as you have done.  But I find that a more shapely flower stem starts afresh if they are cut completely off.  And just as quick.  But the buds you have seem to be making progress.

    Many plants will bleed sap from a cut.  Nothing to be concerned about, it will usually heal quickly. The sap is sticky from its sugar content, so better to wipe it off or you will get a mould growing (which would be more ugly than damaging).
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I came across this article which may give some pointers.
    Maybe your plant has Happy Sap - 
    https://uconnladybug.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/sticky-stuff-on-my-orchid/

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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