Clear, Sticky Stuff on leaves

[papheteer]

I have noticed some clear syrup-like secretion on leaf surfaces of some of my plants. Is this normal or is it a sign of pests? Pls. help!

 

[Roy]

Could be ants. Ants sometimes bite the leaves to make them bleed which attracts other insects on which they can feed.

 

[papheteer]

No ants at all. Wish it's just ants though...

 

[Heather]

Could be aphids.

What kind of plant? Some happy plants (phals in general) exude a sweet syrupy substance that is similar.

 

[Candace]

Many happy, well grown orchids release this "honey dew" to attract ants and bugs for pollenation. It's a sweet, sugary, sticky residue. I get it in my hair all the time and it's a real PITA. I've got long hair and have to make sure it's put up before watering or I'll be sorry. I mainly see it on my dendrobiums, phals and some oncidium types and some others. Phrags and paphs don't get this so if you're seeing a sticky substance on them, there's a problem.

 

[NYEric]

Is it sweet, if it is and there are no pests it's just the 'honey'. Happy plants make this.

 

[Candace]

Is it sweet, if it is and there are no pests it's just the 'honey'. Happy plants make this.

Please use your heads folks and if you're using systemic pesticides, especially, don't be tasting your plants!!

 

[NYEric]

Or..don't use systemic poisons!

 

[Heather]

LOL! Thanks Candace! You're so good at watching out for us all.

 

[goldenrose]

WELL GO FIGURE! I didn't know that!!!! My phals are the best mealybug attractors, when I find the sticky stuff, I'm not findings pests but I don't want to chance it, start with a soap & water bath!

 

[papheteer]

I saw some scales! Would neem oil work to eradicate them?

 

[Candace]

Then what you've got isn't honeydew but scale excretion-yuck. Neem won't do much for you I'm afraid. If you grow indoors there are a few less toxic options available. I'm sure an indoor grower would love to give you some hints. I tend to fire the big guns-pesticides when I see scale in my g.h.

 

[SlipperFan]

On Phals, the secretion is mostly on the edges of the leaves. Many orchids have it on spikes.