Sticky leaf droplets on phal.

[Kmolson126]

I have an unknown type phal. I got from a family member that was artificially dyed. It seemed like it bloomed and lost its flowers rather quickly and now I’m seeing droplets on the underside of the leaves that are sticky. It also looks like there are small blisters on the top of the leaves. I’ve included some pictures. I haven’t tried repotting it yet since it just stopped blooming.

Any thoughts or recommendations? Is this something I need to worry about/do something about, or am I just overthinking this?

I have 6 other orchids that look great without these leaf findings.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

That looks like a scale insect infestation. They secrete sugary liquid to attract ants that will protect them and move them to other plants.

I would throw away the plant unless you want to spend an extended period fighting scale in the rest of your collection.

If you keep it, unpot the plant and throw away the medium. Don't compost the medium; it probably contains eggs. Scrub the plant gently with soapy water, taking care to get soap suds into all crevices.

Repot the plant and watch very carefully. You can kill young scale by spraying the entire plant with rubbing alcohol 70% or liquid dish soap 1tsp / 5ml in a quart/liter of water.

[Kmolson126]

Thanks for the advice! I’m on the fence about sequestering it from the others and trying to salvage it versus just letting it go.