Fdk. After Dark: Very sappy

[Zabeta]

Hi everyone,

My Fdk. After Dark is growing well and has big leaves. However, I've noticed in the past couple days that there's a TON of sap on the bottom of the leaves, not just along the edges, but in some cases all over the underside. I've been wiping it off, and unfortunately I didn't think to take a picture.

Could this be a sign of a pest of some sort? Or for those who've had this orchid, is it normal for them to be extra sappy?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[FourN6]

Hi Zabeta,

Sap can often times be an indication of pests and it might be a good idea to treat your plant for mites and all other crawly things but there are also some orchids that seem to produce sap when they're happy. I remember watching a video on YouTube about this plant and the video host mentioned she can be very sappy. I wish I could remember the name of the video!

I just received one of these in blooming size. She was well wrapped in wet newspaper. A day or so after I unwrapped her and placed her in her home I noticed a bit of sap on her leaves. I can't imagine that a reputible orchid greenhouse would ship me a pest ridden plant so I chalked it up to her adjusting to new conditions. I gently cleaned the leaves with a bit of fresh lemon juice and water and the sap came off. If it comes back, I'll probably just leave it...and maybe spray for pests. Since this plant is deciduous, the leaves will fall off at the end of the season and the sap will be no more...until the next growth cycle

[Zabeta]

Originally Posted by FourN6

Hi Zabeta,
I just received one of these in blooming size. She was well wrapped in wet newspaper. A day or so after I unwrapped her and placed her in her home I noticed a bit of sap on her leaves.

Thank you, FourN6. I attached a picture of the plant as it is now, which shows a bit of sap. It can get much, much worse (this is after regular wipings).

It's kind of annoying because the leaves are huge, and I can't really let any other plants touch them.

[fishmom]

I have two of these, both growing vigorously, so I went to compare. One plant has sap on the lower leaves and a slightly tacky feel to the other, larger leaves. That one has been inside on a windowsill. The other, which has been outside for a week or two, does not seem to be making sap. Maybe temperature related? The outside night temps are cooler. FWIW

[AvantGardner]

I've had this happen as well. It's an indication of a happy plant in my opinion. But, make sure not to keep it too humid or shady in this sap ridden state. I've had a few get moldy leaves.

[katrina]

Some of this group are very prone to this sappy condition and I recommend you wash it off. If not, it will eventually collect enough that you'll start having trouble w/sooty mold and the leaves get ugly, very fast. If the growth is young I hold them upside down under some running water and then shake them off to make sure no water stays down inside the growth. W/the larger ones, I just use the sprayer and clean them off as best I can.

When they are outside the rain naturally washes them off but if there is not much rain then hose them down on a regular basis to keep it from accumulating too much.

As someone mentioned, this group is very prone to spider mites so I always check for that first and if I find them then I treat accordingly but many times it's just the sap.

[estación seca]

As a bonus, regular spraying with plain water is sufficient to control spider mites. It really does work, but you really does have to do it regularly. I mean once or twice a week on every plant.

[derv88]

Great info in this thread. Thanks! (I have an extra-sappy Fdk. also)

[Zabeta]

Originally Posted by derv88

Great info in this thread. Thanks! (I have an extra-sappy Fdk. also)

Yes, it's really helpful to know that the sap is normal!