Content
- When orchids stick - That's what to do now
- Most common cause of sticky leaves: pure stress
- Waterlogging causes orchids to sweat
- Aphids cause sticky leaves
- Wipe leaves consistently
- Tips
When orchids stick, that's usually not a good sign
When orchids stick - That's what to do now
The phenomenon of sticky leaves occurs mainly in the popular orchid species Phalaenopsis and Cattleya. It is a natural process due to various causes. Read here why the sticky secretion occurs. This is how you handle it correctly.
Most common cause of sticky leaves: pure stress
If resinous droplets form on the foliage, orchids signal a mood disorder. This is usually due to stress due to excessive temperature fluctuations at the site.Phalaenopsis and Cattleya favor a well-balanced heat scale that should not fluctuate more than 5 degrees Celsius. Create the following framework conditions at the site, the sticky secretion remains:
With a simple minimum-maximum thermometer, you can accurately understand whether the site is experiencing problematic fluctuations of more than 5 degrees Celsius between day and night.
Waterlogging causes orchids to sweat
If it comes to a combination of waterlogging and high humidity, the vital transpiration is hindered. In order to maintain the flow of water nevertheless, orchids in their distress press the moisture through the stomata of the leaves, which is recognizable as a sticky secretion. Botanists refer to this process as guttation.
If waterlogging can be diagnosed as the cause of sticky leaves, ideally replant the orchid if it is not in the middle of its flowering period. Otherwise, allow the substrate to dry well and pour more economically.
Aphids cause sticky leaves
If site problems and waterlogging can be ruled out as causes, aphids are the focus of attention. The pests prick the leaves and absorb the sap. The waste separates it as a sticky secretion. If you have discovered the tiny lice on the underside of the foliage, then proceed as follows:
Isolate the plant as long as there are aphids on it to prevent further spreading.
Wipe leaves consistently
The resinous droplets on orchids contain essentially sugar and other nutrients. Please wipe the sticky secretion regularly with a soft cloth. Unless aphids have already caused it, the pests and other pests are magically attracted to it.
Tips
There is no reason to cut off the sticky leaves on orchids. The sticky secretion does not cause disease and is not infectious. In this case, please remain true to the principle that only completely dead plant parts may be cut on orchids.