clear stick bubble on leaves - good or bad??

[jeffers4]

Hello all,

I have had an orchid for a few years now that was given to me, not sure what kind exactly, but in the past few weeks it has been producing sticky clear droplets on the leaves. I looked all over online and have seen that the flower stalks or buds can produce a sap that is clear and looks like a drop of water, but I currently have no flower stalk or buds. These drops are appearing on the edges of the leaves. Is this still just sap the plant is producing or is it more?

I have also found, thanks to this site, I have a scale problem as well. Could these be related? I didn't see anything about sappy drops relating to scales, but thought I'd ask. And what is the best method to get ride of these scales? Is the 70% alcohol the best method?

Thanks a lot! Pictures of these sappy drops are attached.

Jeff

[TyMarrs]

Many sucking insects, such as scale, will secrete a sticky, sappy liquid that matches your description. Aphids and mealybugs can as well.

"Scales suck your plants juices, stunting the plants growth and they secrete a sticky honeydew which attracts ants and other pests. If it becomes necessary, spray or dip using malathion as directed."

Link

I'd check for any signs of other insect attack and remove any pests you find with an alcohol q-tip or paper towel. Be very thorough, and keep checking a couple times a week to clean up any stragglers and to break the reproduction cycle. Unless you have a very bad infestation or huge numbers, anything more poisonous shouldn't be necessary.

Good luck!

[mojomick]

Jeffers 4, Check out the thread on scale in this section. Betty