Question
Hi, Ive been practicing Bonsai for some years and am reasonably familiar with aphids, scale, etc. My father bought a sheffler bonsai foraest in a pot and it became so covered with sticky substance we had to discard it. Now, a fig Bonsai Ive been tending is getting the same sticky substance on the leaves. I am unable to find any signs of scale or aphids or any other insect on the fig whether it be under the leaves, on top, or on the bsrk. Is there anything else that can cause this symptom because I am finding no insect causing it? Thanks, Dave

Answer
Dear David, It sure sounds like you have scale even though you can't see it although be aware that the schefflera and the fig family both have sticky sap, so the plant could be leaking from removed leaves or small cuts.  The best thing to do would be to spray the entire plant with biorganic or horticultural oil, top and bottom of leaves and the trunk, and put the plants in a bright light (not direct sun unless they are used to it) to encourage the honeydew to dry up and flake off faster.  The presence of honeydew suggests that there are or were scale or aphids, so if you treat the plant as though it has scale, the problem will go away.  You will probably have to spray the plant several times about a week apart to get complete control, but this treatment will work and your plant should stop feeling sticky.  The only other possibility would be cuts on the stems or leaves as that could cause a slightly sticky sap, but you probably would have located those cut areas and spraying with the oil should help that situation.  Let me know if you continue to have problems.  Good luck, Melissa