Phalaenopsis--sticky secretions on underside of leaves

[Chris1140]

One of my Phals is secreting sugary drops on the underside of the leaves produced this season.
Should I be worried about this? No sign of ants or aphids. The plant appears to be healthy otherwise. Maybe I will try to wash it off?

[gardenguysorchids]

I have had a similar problem at times and when I find it I look for and usually find mealy bugs hiding somewhere on the plant.

[Chris1140]

Thanks, Bill. I examined the plant carefully and can find no signs of mealy bugs. I think I will poke around with a q-tip soaked in alcohol to be sure.

[gardenguysorchids]

Thanks, Bill. I examined the plant carefully and can find no signs of mealy bugs. I think I will poke around with a q-tip soaked in alcohol to be sure.

Good idea. They can really hide themselves in the crown area and especially around new leaf tips.

[zainal abidin]

I always noticed some of my plants secreting sugar too, watch the activity of ants, more ants will indicate something is not right.

[Orchidmorris]

Congratulations! The secretion is an excess of photosynthesis. Sugars are formed and when he's full the extra produced sugars are excreted. I predict that you grow under a lot of light. As long as the light is not too much, good chance that you will have a lot of flower(stalks) soon.

Maurice
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[Chris1140]

Thanks, Maurice. Good information. You're right they do get bright light.

[Susie11]

Thank God! My leopard prince is always doing this. I have looked really closely at the leaves and the crown and I have never managed to find one mealy bug so now I know what the real reason for the honey dew / happy sap is it's a weight off my mind. I am so happy now, I guess me and my phal both are