Why my cymbidium leaves are sticky?

[MaK]

Almost all my cymbidiums heavily infected by scales last fall and I used Garden Safe 3in1 to control the insects. That product works very well. It's contained neem oil, and later combined with dust, so sticky residue left on the leaves. I noticed when I touch the leaves but can't visible. Do I need to wash it off or leave it? Give me a some suggestion if you have same experience. Thank you.

MaK, SF.CA

[Zoi2]

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Is your plant outside? I'd probably just rinse it off next time I watered.
Joann

[dounoharm]

i gave up on the neem oil. it seemed to 'stain' my leaves and they stayed dirty looking....i dont use it anymore, just soap...i use the neem on outside plants and veggies.....

[MaK]

yes I grow them outside. I watered them often but not during the winter months, neem oil won't go away. I want to try one of AOS member creates new formula to control the insect. It's 409 and alcohol mix with water. Check it on AOS pest control section.

[smithgerry]

Hello Mak,

Without seeing your orchid, it is hard to say what is causing the sticky substance on the leaves, but here are some things to consider.

At times, orchids will ooze out a small amount of sap, usually at the base of leaves or at the tip. These are normally harmless and an indication that the orchid is growing happily.

But, if the oozy stuff is coming from an area on a leaf that has a darker color, soft to the touch and somewhat watery, this one is definitely bad news for the orchid. I hope this is not what it is because it would mean that your orchid has a virus or bacterial infection which are usually fatal.

Hope it is the first and not the second reason.