You Ask – Mike Answers!
Ask our Head Grower, Mike Hicks, all of your burning planty questions.
The question below was emailed to us last month:
Hi Mike,
What are these weird bumps on the stems and leaves of my plants? They’re sometimes sticky. Should I be worried?
Mike says:
You’ve spotted something super cool that plants do – extrafloral nectaries (or EFNs)! Some species of plants will have extra bumps, nodules, or leaf structures that emit nectar. This nectar is about 95% sugar with the other 5% consisting of a wide array of amino acids and other important nutrients.
Why do plants do this? Scientists believe some plants have EFNs to rid themselves of metabolic wastes. However, most studies have revealed that they are part of the plant’s defense system because they attract beneficial insects, particularly ants. Many species of ants are predators for caterpillars. So by attracting it’s own defense squad, the plant doesn’t get nearly as munched on. Pretty cool, right? Click HERE to learn more and check out photos different kinds of EFNs.
Mike is Frond of These
Albuca ‘Frizzle Sizzle’
Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’
Mangave ‘Black Magic’ PPAF