The phenomenon of sticky leaves occurs primarily on the popular orchid species Phalaenopsis and Cattleya. This is a natural process that can be traced back to various causes. Read here why the sticky discharge occurs. Here's how to deal with it properly.

When orchids stick, it's usually not a good sign

The most common cause of sticky leaves: pure stress

If resinous droplets form on the leaves, orchids signal a mood disorder. This is mostly due to stress as a result of excessive temperature fluctuations at the site. Phalaenopsis and Cattleya favor a well-balanced heat scale that should not fluctuate more than 5 degrees Celsius. If you create the following framework conditions at the location, the sticky secretion will not occur:

  • Temperatures in summer 20 to 28 degrees, in winter 16 to 20 degrees Celsius
  • Bright lighting conditions, without blazing sunshine at midday in summer
  • High humidity of 60 to 80 percent

With a simple minimum-maximum thermometer, you can understand exactly whether the problematic fluctuations of more than 5 degrees Celsius between day and night occur at the location.

Waterlogging makes orchids sweat

If there is a combination of waterlogging and high humidity, vital transpiration is impeded. In order to keep the flow of water going, orchids squeeze the moisture through the stomata of the leaves, which can be seen as a sticky secretion. Botanists refer to this process as guttation.

If waterlogging is diagnosed as the cause of sticky leaves, ideally repot the orchid unless it is in the middle of its flowering period. Otherwise, let the substrate dry well and water more sparingly from now on.

Aphids cause sticky leaves

If location problems and waterlogging can be ruled out as causes, aphids come into focus as triggers. The pests pierce the leaves and suck up the plant sap. They excrete the waste material as a sticky secretion. If you have discovered the tiny lice on the underside of the leaves, then proceed as follows:

  • Wipe the leaves with a damp, soft cloth
  • Make a solution from 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of soft soap (44.90€) and 1 teaspoon of spirit
  • So spray the affected orchid at intervals of 2 to 3 days

Isolate the plant while aphids are present to prevent further spread.

Wipe leaves consistently

The resinous droplets on orchids mainly contain sugar and other nutrients. Please wipe off the sticky discharge regularly with a soft cloth. If aphids have not already caused them, the pests and other pests are magically attracted to them.

tips

There is no need to cut off the sticky leaves on orchids. The sticky discharge does not cause disease and is non-infectious. In this case, too, please remain true to the principle that only completely dead plant parts may be cut off orchids.

Category:

Indoor plants