Question
We have a Fica that has been with us for some 20 years. All of a sudden the leaves are all sticky and the sticky substance gets on the floor and drapes. The plant seems to tolerate it but its very annoying. We don't want to get rid of it because its moved 3 times with us and actually is about 7 feet high. Any ideas?    Bill

Answer
Bill
Without a picture of the plant I can only guess...

Look for insects on the under side of the leaves where the sticky substance is probably located...My guess would be aphids...As they feed on plants they exude a sticky substance which sticks to the leaves...They are small and can be black, green, yellow and other shades...

Get to a local garden center to see what they recommend as a good indoor pesticide...Indoors I always try to use safer soap insecticides 1st...When you go there take a cutting of a branch with the sticky stuff on it with you. Put it in a plastic bag and seal it so it does not spread to their plants...

Once they ID the bug they should be able to recommend a solution safe to use inside...
Hope this helps...
Rick in southern NJ