Sticky tiny clear beads under phal leaves - Orchid Board

greenpassion · #1 03-23-2017, 02:13 PM

Hi all. I have yet to experience trouble with bugs, that is possibly until now. Yesterday I noticed that under a leaf of one of my phals, the edge has an edging of clear sticky syrupy stuff. The 'drops' are tiny, and I've heard of "happy sap" on orchids, which I have noted myself, but this is odd to me. Is this thrips?? I have applied a diluted solution of Sucra Shield to the leaf, but would like a more educated plan of action here....or am I worrying for nothing? This phal is in a bark mix, and aside from this issue, it is very healthy. I have 22 orchids, 18 are phals, and all are pest free...or are they??

charlesf6 · #2 03-23-2017, 02:15 PM

A picture would probably help.

bil · #3 03-23-2017, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenpassion

Hi all. I have yet to experience trouble with bugs, that is possibly until now. Yesterday I noticed that under a leaf of one of my phals, the edge has an edging of clear sticky syrupy stuff. The 'drops' are tiny, and I've heard of "happy sap" on orchids, which I have noted myself, but this is odd to me. Is this thrips?? I have applied a diluted solution of Sucra Shield to the leaf, but would like a more educated plan of action here....or am I worrying for nothing? This phal is in a bark mix, and aside from this issue, it is very healthy. I have 22 orchids, 18 are phals, and all are pest free...or are they??

Most orchids secrete honeydew, I personally think that they do it to attract ants that then kill pests for them. Certainly when I have new buds, shoots and spikes especially, the ants swarm around them, eating the sweet dew as fast as it forms.

touch the drops and then lick your finger, it is amazingly sweet.

Dollythehun · #4 03-23-2017, 03:25 PM

I think bil is onto something. I see a lot of this in my tribe. Taste it and then you can quit worrying OR spray the plant 😁

jkofferdahl · #5 03-23-2017, 04:14 PM

I agree with Bil that it's probably a natural secretion, but the word "honeydew" is problematic here. Honeydew is the secretion/droppings of aphids, mealies, and other sucking insects. Thus, if it's really honeydew you have a major problem on your hands.

Leafmite · #6 03-23-2017, 05:57 PM

I have often found that if a leaf feels sticky, that is because of scale, whitefly, mealy bugs, mites or some other infestation. Sometimes, the 'crawlers' or larvae are very difficult to see even though they do leave behind damage. I have had the 'happy sap' a few times and I have also had the 'happy sap' where I have later found a mealy-bug colony. It is always best to be observant and cautious.
Good luck!

bil · #7 03-23-2017, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I agree with Bil that it's probably a natural secretion, but the word "honeydew" is problematic here. Honeydew is the secretion/droppings of aphids, mealies, and other sucking insects. Thus, if it's really honeydew you have a major problem on your hands.

My bad, I doubt it is aphid secretions as they drip off the bugs onto leaves and cause sooty mould etc. Clear beads are plant secretions.