Question
We just returned from 6 weeks vacation and my kids were watering my plants.  Now I noticed an area on top of the ficus with fine webs and a dry curled up leaf (which I cut off).  Then I saw much of the plant (75% has a clear shiny sticky feel on the leaves and even on the rim of the pot.  It has been a very healthy plant.  Is this red spider?  What shall I do???

Answer
Hi Joyce,

It sounds like your ficus may have spider mites or an insect problem.  You might be able to observe the mites on the underside of the leaves.  Or, if you put some paper under the tree and shake the branches, they will often fall off onto the paper.  You will see little "dust" particles that appear to move around.  When spider mites feed, the pierce the plant and "drink" the sap.  When the finish feeding, some of the sap will continue to leak out which is why the leaves appear to be sticky.

I'm not sure about the size of your tree.  If it is possible, you should take it outside and wash it.  Most of the spider mites will be on the underside of the leaves, so be sure to direct spray to them.  This will help remove most of the spider mites.  You could also do this by putting your plant in the shower, but again you will need to spray the underside of the leaves.

The next step will be to apply a product to the plant to help control the mites.  Insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, etc are available at garden centers.  Be sure to read the label to confirm that it is labeled to use on house plants.

Lastly, if you have other house plants, you should check them for spider mites.  Often, if one plant has the problem then they all have it.  Good luck!