Phalaenopsis Bordeaux Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the leaf undersides or stems and secrete honeydew, a sticky substance. This residue can eventually lead to the growth of black sooty mold on your Phalaenopsis Bordeaux leaves.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small, hard, stationary bumps that do not move when touched.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the scale insects and stop the secretion of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wipe the sticky residue and any visible black sooty mold from the leaves using a soft cloth and water.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems regularly to catch any new scale infestations early.

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are soft-bodied insects that pierce the plant tissue to suck sap, excreting honeydew in the process. This often results in a noticeable sticky coating on newer growth and flower buds.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for tiny, pear-shaped green or black insects clustered near the leaf axils or flower spikes.

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1 Immediately treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wipe the sticky residue off the leaves using a soft cloth and water to prevent fungal growth and allow the plant to breathe.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and new buds for any remaining pests, and repeat treatments if necessary.

Bonide Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$11

In Stock

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Mealybugs

Mealybugs produce honeydew as they feed on the orchid's nutrients. While they are famous for their white, cottony appearance, the sticky residue they leave behind is a primary symptom of an active colony.

Common

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How to confirm: Search for small, white, waxy patches tucked into the crevices where the leaves meet the stem.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the mealybug colony and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Carefully wipe the sticky residue and visible white cottony insects off the leaves using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

3 Inspect the crevices of the orchid and the potting medium for any remaining pests to prevent re-infestation.

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Psyllids

Small, jumping insects known as psyllids can feed on Phalaenopsis sap, leading to the secretion of sticky waste. This is less common than scale or aphids but highly destructive to orchid foliage.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently tap a leaf over a white piece of paper to see if tiny insects jump away from the plant.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Isolate the orchid immediately to prevent psyllids from spreading to other plants and wipe the sticky residue off the leaves with a damp cloth.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the foliage to eliminate the jumping insects and their larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 For long-term orchid health, ensure the potting medium is well-draining and use a specialized substrate like orchid bark to prevent pest-attracting moisture buildup.