The first thing you should do is try and find the cause of where the sap is coming from.  In my case, it was easy…I just looked up and saw the nectar dripping off the end of the flower spike, which appeared to be rotting.  My remedy was easy, I cut the rotting end of the spike just behind it, right above the node prior to it.  Then I dabbed Cinnamon on the end of the Orchid spike to prevent any type of bacteria or virus entering through the open wound.

It is, however, important to wipe clean the nectar off the Orchid leaf.  If not, you’re basically giving an open-door invitation to every mealybug or other unwanted bugs and insects in the area to clean it up for you, causing a possible disaster to your Orchid collection and surrounding plants.

On a side note, be sure to ALWAYS use sterilized cutting tools BEFORE cutting anything off your Orchid.  My preferred method is Isopropyl Alcohol, or Rubbing Alcohol.  I always clean before and again after, each use, not taking any chances.

The exact cause is really unknown.  Many believe it to be a lure to draw in pollinators, but on the same token, it might lure the wrong kind of insects.  Bees use this as a source of nectar when they are being starved for lack of wild flowers and general blossoms.

Although finding this sap on your Orchids is a sign of good health, yes, it has the potential to cause problems if not cleaned off right away.  If left alone, it may lead to a bacterial infection.  Be sure to check the area for small round spots, which could be an indication of Scale, or even Aphids, sucking insects that produce same type of sap, that must be treated immediately.

​A piece of gauze, paper towel, Q-Tip or tissue dipped in warm water does the job of removing the sticky droplets from the leaves.

​The only thing I knew about using bark as an Orchid media is that it needs to soak prior to using.  The bag itself was so pretty, and the reviews were pretty decent too.  I didn’t know anything else about Orchids at that time, nor did I realize there was anything else on the market that could be used to pot Orchids.  WOW was I wrong!   But that’s not what this article is about.

​This article is about how to prepare Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix and this goes hand-in-hand with her sister, Better-Gro Special Orchid Mix, which is not only formulated for Phals, but also for Cattleyas, Oncidiums, Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums and all other Epiphytic Orchids, Epiphytic meaning they basically grow in the air.

Whichever one of these mixes you choose, or any other Orchid bark blend, the mix MUST be prepared prior to potting your Orchid in it.  Why?  Because dry bark does not allow for water absorption, which is what the roots need to stay alive.  Soaking the bark in hot water allows the bark’s cells to open so it can absorb water.

​Not understanding this?  Take one piece of the dry bark out of the bag and run it under water.  What happens?  The water runs right off the bark like water off a duck's back, right?  Bark that has been properly prepared will actually absorb water, which is what we want.

​The first step is to get a pot of water boiling.  While you’re waiting for the water to boil, measure out how much of the mix you’ll need for the size pot you’ll be using.

​I put the mix in either a Pyrex cooking dish or in the ceramic outer pot the Orchid came in.  Once the water has come to a boil, I pour it slowly over the potting mix so that all of the potting mix is completely covered in the boiling water.  I then let it sit until it comes to room-temperate.  Once room-temperature, usually around 2 to 3 hours, I then drain the water and the media is ready to be used.  I always begin this prep first thing in the morning on the day I want to repot an Orchid.  You can soak the bark overnight, if you prefer, but a few hours in the morning will suffice.

​Using boiling water also kills any little pests that might have set up living quarters in the bag, plus it removes any dust and other fine debris.  It’s much more pliable too, making it that much easier to work with, fitting in between all the nooks and crannies of Orchid roots.
 
Happy Potting!!!  😁

The simple answer is yes, you can safely boil LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate).  LECA is considered inorganic potting media, just like lava rock, perlite (also known as sponge rock), pumice, rock wool, hydroton, Growstone, stones & pebbles and several other types of media, and can be boiled safely.  Doesn't it look like I'm cooking black beans?  😜

Any LECA I want to reuse, I boil for about 10-15 minutes, which will definitely destroy any pesky critters.  I then soak in H202 for about half hour and then I lay them outside to let the sun handle the rest of the sanitizing process.  Be sure it’s not a windy day or you’ll have the round clay pebbles rolling all over the place!   😁

The only time I would personally throw out previously used LECA is if it were used in a pot whose Orchid or plant was succumbed by disease (viral, fungal or bacterial).  I wouldn’t take any chances on passing this on to new Orchids and other new plants.

I’ve read many people use bleach to sanitize their LECA before reusing; however, I don’t even keep bleach in my home…too toxic.  This is a personal choice.

If you really want to reuse LECA that may be contaminated and don’t want to use bleach, I would suggest you rinse it very well under hot water, then boil it in an old pot for about 15 minutes, and then soak it overnight in either H202, which is 29% concentration of hydrogen peroxide or Physan 20, which is a broad range disinfectant.   I know many people use Physan, but its' label scares me, so I prefer to stay away from it.   Be sure to follow the label instructions.

Better safe to toss than be sorry …