Question
my cymbidium flowers have not yet opened.  there are many small bubbles just underneath the outer green cover of the flower buds.  i do not have any of these bubbles on my other cymbidiums.  Is this a possible infestation of some pest or just sugar capsules?  If bugs, please tell me what to treat with.  Thank you in advance for any assistance and Best Regards, Rupert

Answer
Hi Rupert,

If the temperatures have been on the cool side, it may take a while for the buds to open.  Prior to opening, you may see the buds start to swell up a little and within a week or so they will open.  If you want to get them to open sooner, try moving it to a warmer location but only move it when there is little temperature difference (about 10F) between where it is now and where you move it to.  Too large a temperature change and the buds may blast.  

If the bubbles are clear and sticky and located at the base of the buds, it probably is just excess sap (sugary capsules) oozing out.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.