Question
1) Black eggs and tan eggs are collecting on the leaves and shoots of some of my house plants, especially the spider plants. The black eggs are soft; the tan eggs are hard. I am discarding the plants in plastic bags, tied tightly. What are these, please? I have not noticed any insects in my home.

2) Some of the leaves of these plants - and the saucers I place under the plants - are "weeping." They look wet, but have the feel of stickiness, like honey. I thought this was because our windows face the ocean, and that this could be the salt water collecting and drying, but now I am not so sure.

3) There is a sticky "powder" looking substance on the leaves of some plants. Someone told me this was from cockroaches. I am dealing with a roach problem in the kitchen right now, but this "powder" problem arrived long before the roaches. It does not affect every plant. Again, I am wrapping up these plants and throwing them up.

Please tell me what kinds of pests I'm dealing with. Thank you.

Answer
Dear Deborah,

I think you are being very sensible in throwing away your plants which have become badly infected as these insects and diseases can pass so easily to other plants.

It sounds to me as if your plants have been attacked by aphids - black eggs - the tan "eggs" most likely are insects themselves, scale insects which are small light brown disc shaped insects which attach themselves to the undersi,s de of leaves and along stems.  Both of these insects, after sucking the sap from the plant, leave a sticky residue called honeydew.

I have no idea if cockroaches leave a sticky powder in their wake, I wouldn't have thought so.  However it is quite possible that this powder on your plants is mildew which is a fungus.  In its early stages one can just remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide but if the entire plant is affected I would do exactly as you have done, throw away the plant.

Sometimes a plant will weep and there is no sign of insects - this can be simply transpiration usually because the plant has received too much water.  

If you have retained any of the pots after throwing away the plants make sure that you wash them very thoroughly in hot soapy water before using them for other plants.

I am sure you will be buying more plants to replace those you have thrown away.  Most plants, but not those with hairy, velvety leaves, enjoy being misted from time to time.  This keeps the air surrounding them humid and is a deterrent to insects.  Keep the leaves clean by wiping with a damp cloth and keep a watchful eye out for the first sign of insects so you can deal with them quickly.

If you have any more queries please don't hesitate to contact me again.  Good Luck!

Diana