Question
I had a schefflera arboricola column which I purchased several yrs ago which was small and is now 5'7" all.  It was kept in an office with full sun and lots of windows. The only care the plant gets is watered.  I notice now that alot of the leaves have a sticky type of clear sap that turns a crusty brown.  What might it be and what can I do about it.  Even the container the plant is in is now sticky.

I love the plant and have to bring it home but am nervous about this sap stuff.

Thank you for your help

Barb

Answer
Hi Barb,

The stickiness is coming from a scale insect infestation. Scale insects do not look like insects. They develop slightly raised, hard brown shells about the size of a match head. They are sucking insects and they secrete a sticky substance called honeydew which falls on leaves, the pot and other surfaces below.

To treat them, mix a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid soap. Then thoroughly spray all leaf and stem surfaces of the entire plant until they are dripping wet. This is a messy process, but complete coverage is essential to get direct contact with the immature scales that are virtually invisible. If you miss a few they will reproduce and the problem will return in several months, so thoroughness of coverage is the key to success.

I have written articles on treating plant pests and on Schefflera care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com