I have two orchid plants and recently I have been noticing the plants are covered in beads of liquid along the stem and leaves. Is this a disease of some sort and if so, could anyone please tell me what can be done about it.
Thank you
submitted by Margaret in Atlanta GA
It's probably just fluid secretions from the plants themselves, but you should check carefully for signs of insects that may also excrete "honeydew" when feeding on plant tissues. Aphids are the most likely culprit and generally congregate on soft tissues such as new growth and flower buds and spikes.
Orchids growing in bright light and kept well-watered will often secrete excess fluids at various times through their stomates ("pores" in the leaves) and other specialized cells on their stems. This is normal, and the secretions may contain various salts and sugars found in the plants' tissues, so that when they dry, a crusty bead of dried "sap" may be evident.
submitted by Clem in Belle Mead, NJ
@ December 31, 2008 - 10:47 AM
Orchids growing in bright light and kept well-watered will often secrete excess fluids at various times through their stomates ("pores" in the leaves) and other specialized cells on their stems. This is normal, and the secretions may contain various salts and sugars found in the plants' tissues, so that when they dry, a crusty bead of dried "sap" may be evident.