Question
Hi Dr. Vann,

I have a zebra plant for 3 years and recently it started losing leaves and I find a sticky substance on the leaves and surrounding table top it sits on..any idea what this could be and how can I treat it..I would hate to lose my beautiful plant and others around it..Thank you

Answer
Carolyn:
Very nice plant you have! One of my favorites.  The sticky stuff is probably "honeydew", the sugary excretement (poop)of an insect that is feeding on your plant (or on a plant up above it).  Several insects can produce this stuff.  It is real common on your car roof if you park under a pecan tree for a few days.  That black stuff on the car roof is called sooty mold and it grows on the honeydew that drips down on it.  Honeydew can be produced by several insects including aphids and scale insects.  They essentially are taking in more plant juices than they can digest, so it just squirts out the rear end of the bug on to the surface below. These insect can feed on lots of different plants.

You will need to use an appropriate insecticide.  Take a look at trying a product called Safer Insecticidal Soap from your garden center. It is effective for several insects. Spray your plant throughly, making sure you get the spray on the under surfaces of the leaves too.  Spray the plant outdoors, then you can bring it back in. Consider spraying other plants that might be close to the Zebra. Not a good idea to get spray on furniture.  Read the label, because you might have to spray more than once and the label will tell you how often to apply.

Leaf drop can be caused by several things.  Be sure the plant has not got too big for the pot that it is in. Take a look at the roots- they need plenty of room in the soil.  Be sure soil isn't too wet or too dry--just moist.

Enjoy

Steve