Honeydew / Happy sap - remove it or not?

[JeffreyR]

I’ve read here that the honeydew from aphids falls on leaves and can lead to sooty mold. The aphids and honeydew should definitely be removed. Got it! So far I’ve not had to deal with that.

But what about the happy sap that beads on the spikes near the nodes with flowers? I’m sure there are no insects and this is simply a happy plant. Is that a risk too and needs to be removed? Or can/should it be left alone? What if it gets on the flowers?

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Roberta]

Leave it alone. There are some orchids (like L. anceps and its relatives) that benefit from overhead watering (or rain) while in bud because sap tends to stick the flowers shut, water softens it so the buds can open. .But most don't have that problem and you are more likely to damage flowers/buds by handling them than by letting nature do her thing.

[DirtyCoconuts]

It is worth tasting one time in your life. It’s really sweet

[Afid]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

It is worth tasting one time in your life. It’s really sweet

I never knew it was edible, I will have to try it sometime.

As a side note, I wouldn't recommend tasting it if it is from an Oncidium alliance plant, many of them have toxic flowers so the sap might be a risk.

[DirtyCoconuts]

Good to know.

[JeffreyR]

Thanks all. I'll leave it alone unless it ends up falling on leaves.

[Connie Star]

I usually wipe it off gently with a tissue and warm water. I've read that it can attract mold. Is that true?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Connie Star

I usually wipe it off gently with a tissue and warm water. I've read that it can attract mold. Is that true?

I have never had a problem with mold. Could attract aphids, but then if they appear I deal with the aphids, don't do anything with the honeydew. But maybe my overhead watering keeps it under control without my thinking about it. Possibly under conditions where plants don't get a periodic bath it might be more problematic.

[Orchid Whisperer]

If I want to remove the sap I just leave the plant outdoors in the rain for a few minutes, then bring indoors. Plant rinsed off, problem solved.