Sticky sap

[MJSK]

I have a few orchids - a Phal and a few different varieties of Dendrobiums that have sticky sap. The only other time this has happened is when there was scale. I don't see any and the sap has been on this plants for several months. Does anyone know what the cause may be?

[Judi]

If you haven't seen any signs of bugs, your orchid may have "happy sap". Many of my orchids secrete sap droplets before they flower as well as during flowering. The sap is more pronounced just after watering. The droplets are at the tip or edges of some leaves as well as on the flower spike when they are in bloom. In my experience the sticky sap associated with bugs is overall sticky leaves not actual visible droplets of sap.

[WhiteRabbit]

Yes, might just be normal sap

[Oscarman]

Is it droplets of sap forming at various points on the plant or a large area on the leaf where stick sap residue has formed?

Often sap droplets develop on flower stems and new growths as they are forming. Seems to be more prevalent on my plants when growing warmer and well watered.

No bugs present, then I would not be concerned.

[RosieC]

Agree with above. If it is droplets rather than a large area, and there are no bugs, then it is likely quite normal.

[MJSK]

There were large sap droplets that were falling on another plant on a Phal that I have. I cut the stalks off as they had been on the plant for a year and a half and a new stalk was growing.
There are numerous drops along the flower stalks of a Den. Ooh's Blue (an Antennatum hybrid). The particular cane they are on has kept sending out new flower stalks since last July.
There a small drops along some of the flower stalks of some Yamamoto Den. Nobile Hybrids that I have as well. I have been keeping a vigilant eye for several months on these plants and haven't seen any bugs.

Thanks for the replies!

[Judi]

Sounds like you have some very happy orchids--great growing!