Cymb nectar or disease? - Orchid Board

Soonix · #1 03-21-2008, 12:33 AM

Hi,

I have a Cymb Noid and it has a 2 flowering spikes and 1 spike that has buds. I have noticed that the buds are leaking nectar/sap, my logic says that the rest of the is healthy as far as i can see. My friend however says that the nectar from the buds is a sign that it has a pest or disease or something

. Any input greatly appreciated.

Djarum Black · #2 03-21-2008, 12:51 AM

Hi Soonix,

From what I can tell there seems to be two types of sap that is seen on orchids. One that is good and one that is bad.
The first I have heard called "happy sap". It leaks from buds when the orchid is healthy.

There is another type called "Honeydew" that is produced by scale. This type is not good. However, if you aren't seeing scale or anything it's probably "happy sap".
I would check really good though. Check even down into the pot to make sure.

Soonix · #3 03-21-2008, 01:00 AM

I'm a beginner so i have no clue what and where to look for it. What color are the scales can i see them with the naked eye? Thanks again DJ.

Djarum Black · #4 03-21-2008, 01:07 AM

Hi Again,

Here is a good link to learn about scale. It has photos and info about how to get rid if you have it also.
Scale Insects on Orchids

Hope this helps!

nynighthawk · #5 03-21-2008, 06:38 AM

I find that there is often a single drop of sugary nectar at the base of the stalk between the flower bud and the main flowering stalk. If it is clear and appears at the base of each flower, I think it's "happy sap". Perhaps in nature it serves to attract ants that would protect the flowers from insects that would damage the flowers. There are other plants that offer such rewards to ants for doing guard duty.

If the sap is clear, you might want to taste it. It's very sweet, like honeysuckle nectar, but thicker.

I think scale nectar would be scattered randomly on the stems and leaves and would be thick and crusty, not single, regularly placed, clear droplets. Also, you would see the scales...looking like little bumps or clusters of bumps on the stems.

Just a thought..............

:-)

smweaver · #6 03-21-2008, 10:53 AM

I agree with Jessica. It's normal for cymbidium buds and spikes to produce (sometimes copious amounts of) nectar, both at the base of the buds and along the "seams" where the sepals and petals look like they're glued together by it. If you have any ants in the vicinity, they'll immediately fall in love with your plant. Neither the sap nor the presence of any ants (or hornets and wasps, which are equally entranced by the nectar) is necessarily a sign that your plant is diseased. So allow yourself to enjoy the anticipation of seeing your plant bloom--and try not to panic too much.

Gin · #7 03-21-2008, 12:50 PM

I agree with Jessica and smweaver .. It sounds happy . Gin

orchids3 · #8 03-21-2008, 04:47 PM

Could it be there to attract polinators? The orchid does not care what crawls up there and does the job unlike we humans.

Soonix · #9 03-21-2008, 05:11 PM

orchids3;91145]Could it be there to attract polinators? The orchid does not care what crawls up there and does the job unlike we humans.

[/QUOTE]

Thank you guys the advice is great. I did an inspection and the Cymb looks clean, the sap is clear and thick and yummy!! Its just from the base of the buds and the flowers so all is well.

Dorians grandma · #10 07-02-2008, 07:02 PM

Hi!

I have evenly spaced, single droplets on the spikes of one of my dendrobiums. From your comments, it sounds like this is "happy sap" but I wanted to ask just to be sure. The plant definitely looks healthy otherwise. Thanks so much.