catasetums w droplets on growths.

[kindrag23]

I know that my b. Little stars when at its happiest will give out sap or happy (?) something I have heard others call it. But my question is will catasetum do this as well as they come out of winter rest? My monn. Millenium and my tenaborosum(sp) BOTH have 1.5 inch growths and 3-4 .5--1inch roots coming in or out(whichever you may prefer). The new phulbs(?) Are where innotice the spotting or the sap/water drops in question.

Growing situation is that they are not near ANY plants that are being watered they are under a heat bulb that is (150 watts w dome) that is 3-5 feet above them to help w warmth and light. We are currently having 17** degree weather. All others are doing well and are happy. These are the only two I have seen this on thus far....

[Brooke]

This family is very sap prone. Wait until you have the entire underside of each full leaf covered in sap.

Brooke

[kindrag23]

Cool they have never done this b4. So I was concerned/curious as to what was causing it. Good to know they are just acting normal.

[Brooke]

I thought you just got this family? I'm surprised you haven't discovered the sappiness in this family.

Brooke

[kindrag23]

No I have had somenof these for going on 7 months. I have about 7? Of them thus far its quickly become a favorite of mine.

---------- Post added at 11:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:59 AM ----------

In fact my first one was the mon millenium in double spike. Then a frilly doris and it grew from there lol.

---------- Post added at 11:03 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:01 AM ----------

And never seen the sap popping up like this b4 now.

[Brooke]

The sappiness occurs as the plant is in mega growth mode. It usually backs off toward the end of the growing season, right before it blooms.

It will become easier for you once you've gone through an entire growing season with them.

Brooke

[kindrag23]

Thanks. Im glad to see they are doing this normal growth pattern. Also glad to know that it is for severe growth mode. That is a very happy feeling knowing I am doing something right.

[hagfish]

Many orchids produce a substance called honeydew from special glands. One usually finds these glands on new growth. Their function is to attract ants which then will drive away leaf eating insects. The best way to identify honeydew is to simply get some on the end of your finger. It it is sticky and tastes sweet, it is honeydew. The only possible problem may be that mold might begin growing if there is lots of it. It can easily be rinsed away with a spray bottle.

[kindrag23]

Good to know. Thank u.