As if out of nowhere, the shoots and leaves of orchids are covered with sticky droplets, as we know from resinous trees. There are various causes that bring about this phenomenon. You can find out what these are here.
Sticky drops on the orchid are not a good sign
Drip formation signals location problems
Experts name an unsuitable location as the most common cause of the sticky water droplets. Temperature fluctuations of more than 5 degrees Celsius, blazing sunlight, cold drafts or dry heating air cause orchids to become stressed. In response, the plants secrete liquid to compensate. Therefore, put the site conditions to the test if orchids appear to be resinous. In these layers, the plants stop the formation of drops again:
- Bright place at the west or east window, without direct sun
- Warm temperatures of 20 to 28 degrees in summer and not below 16 degrees in winter
- High humidity of 60 to 80 percent
- In winter, a place at the south window to compensate for the lack of light
It is primarily Phalaenopsis orchids that resin at the location when stressed. Although the robust butterfly orchids from the supermarket are easy to care for, they cannot tolerate extreme fluctuations in light and temperature conditions.
Imbalanced water balance triggers guttation
Botanists refer to the excretion of resin-like droplets as guttation when the orchid reacts to waterlogging in this way. If the pores (stomata) are closed at night, there is no balancing transpiration. In its distress, the orchid presses the excess water out through stomata as a valve, which can be recognized by the sugary drops on the leaves and shoots.
If you can identify this cause as the trigger for a resinous orchid, repot the plant in dry orchid soil as soon as possible. Henceforth, limit the water supply to dipping the root ball in soft water once or twice a week and misting the orchid daily.
tips
An orchid uses resin-like drops to alert you to problems in the early stages. The sticky secretions themselves do not harm the plant. Simply wipe away the drops with a damp cloth. Simply brush off the strong foliage of a Phalaenopsis.