Do orchids get bugs - Orchid Board

antoland · #1 10-29-2008, 08:41 AM

I have an Oncidium about 5 years old that is producing two new spikes. One is normal, the other is about half the size and is very sticky , the sort of feel that you would associate with bugs in other plants. There is no sign of any greenfly or similar aphid. Dare I try a proprietory bug spray?

Antoland

frostedeyes · #2 10-29-2008, 10:58 AM

sticky? hmmmm could it be the sugar they secrete from the orchid itself im not sure about the oncidium but cattleya and dendros do make secretion sticky. actually out of curiousity i did try and lick it! it taste like syrup or honey. no wonder ants were all over at my orchids! hate them! LOL! uhm try it lick it.. if its sugar then its fine.. well... or try checking them by night if theres snails crawling... snails enjoy feasting on oncidiums i dont know why! LOL! good luck!

frostedeyes · #3 10-29-2008, 10:59 AM

if its sticky flush it with water... hope dat helps!

camille1585 · #4 10-29-2008, 12:21 PM

From what I've seen, if it's sticky, usually there is an insect of some sort involved. I would very carefully inspect the plant. I had a phal with sticky leaves once, and couldn't figure it out, but when I looked very closely at the plant, I found dozens of nearly microscopic baby mealybugs. If you see the slightest thing, I would go ahead and treat the orchid.

Or else it's a natural secretion from the plant, but I've never really heard of oncidiums doing that. If you don't see any bugs, just keep a very close eye on the plant for a while

Cookiemonster · #5 10-29-2008, 01:02 PM

yes indeed orchids can get bugs, i think most members can tell you that first hand--
With sap, I would keep an eye on that plant, wipe down the leaves with rubbing alcohol 70% and wait and see. If cottony looking things are around you might have mealies, if you see tiny white things running around could be aphids, i know my descriptions arent completely accurate. Sometimes I do find that happy plants or new growths have that sticky sap stuff like cattleyas

let us know what you find!