Sticky Oncidium spikes

[CindyG]

Hi Everyone,

I just brought home my first oncidium a few days ago. I've grown only Phals up to now and one Phaius. My question is why the flower spike on the oncidium is secreting a sticky fluid. I double checked it for signs of aphids before I brought it home and found none. Is this normal?

One spike was about done flowering so I cut it back. Right thing to do? That one didn't seem to have any of the sticky stuff on it.

Thanks,

Cindy

[ang709]

Your orchid sounds fine. It is not unusual for a spike to secrete a sticky, sap-like substance. Sometimes a new growth will do it too. I've been told it's a sign your orchid is happy. Also I've been told it is sweet tasting, but I've never tried it.

It is fine that you cut the other spike back. It probably didn't have any of the sticky stuff because it was done growing.

[CindyG]

Thanks for the quick response. i took a photo of the stickies this morning and I'll try to post it (my first) in case someone else has this issue. I'. glad it's nothing to worry about and hopefully my orchid really is happy!

[Cjcorner]

I love orchid honey! First of all, it means your orchid is one happy little plant. Second, it tastes really good. I like to have guests taste it and watch their suprise.

[CindyG]

Don't forget to stop and taste the orchids you mean. LOL

[Kiki]

Could be spider mite damage, but if you don't see any other external damage, the plant is just happy.