Dew-like beads on phal spike

[camille1585]

Good question Eric, I don't know!

I've always wondered if the sap drops are really 'happy' sap. In mant plants the presence of sap drops is actually a means of indirect defense. Plants are smart, and they try to attract beneficial insects that can deal with any herbivorous pest insects. Instead of waiting for insect pests to come before calling the good bugs, plants can attract them by offering food (sap drops) and/or shelter to keep them nearby. That way if there is an aphid attack for example, the beneficials are already there.
I'm guessing that the sap drops might have the same purpose in phals/orchids, but in our highly sterile growing environments there aren't that many good bugs around.

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by camille1585

Good question Eric, I don't know!

I've always wondered if the sap drops are really 'happy' sap. In mant plants the presence of sap drops is actually a means of indirect defense. Plants are smart, and they try to attract beneficial insects that can deal with any herbivorous pest insects. Instead of waiting for insect pests to come before calling the good bugs, plants can attract them by offering food (sap drops) and/or shelter to keep them nearby. That way if there is an aphid attack for example, the beneficials are already there.
I'm guessing that the sap drops might have the same purpose in phals/orchids, but in our highly sterile growing environments there aren't that many good bugs around.

Camille--

Well I can't say for sure whether or not my plants have bugs but I can say for certain I have not seen any..either in the pot or out. But it is an interesting thought.

It reminds me of pine trees around here... its usually quite dry and in the spring and in the monsoonal summer, they get quick doses and deep, heavy rain. The trees can drip sap because they move so much water to their branches. Its akin to pushing too much water into a hose and where it backs up, it'll burst. Supposedly it doesn't hurt the trees-- but I would think it'd be like a sap aneurysm!

[superbelks]

I have a question, since my phal is sap-less at the moment.... I think I may have to cut the spike because it is too big and I can't prop it up, and the blooms are starting to close and fall off. I heard that there is a trick to cutting a spike in such a way that it might bloom again, can anybody share this secret with me?

[Pilot]

Originally Posted by superbelks

I have a question, since my phal is sap-less at the moment.... I think I may have to cut the spike because it is too big and I can't prop it up, and the blooms are starting to close and fall off. I heard that there is a trick to cutting a spike in such a way that it might bloom again, can anybody share this secret with me?

Cut just above the node below your first flower. If all goes well, that node will begin to grow into its own spike.