Question
my fern has sticky residue on its leaves and it's all around my floor.  It is shedding some of its fern leaves, but it always does and they simply grow back nice and full.  I've never noticed the sticky residue until recently - about 3 months ago.  what's happening?  It's very messy.  The plant is facing a south west -indirect light window and seems to like this.  I placed the fern to this spot last year and its growth changed to nice lush, green.  please advice.  many thanks!  stephanie

Answer
Dear Stephanie,

It sounds as if your plant has been attacked by insects which suck the sap from the plant and deposit a sticky substance called honeydew.  The insects could be aphids or scale - not to be confused with spores which are in neat lines on the underneath of the leaves.

That takes me back to when I first started selling plants and when the first batch of ferms arrived I spent hours removing what I thought were insects only to find out they were spores!!

As this has been happening for about three months the insects may be difficult to eradicate however there is no harm in trying.  Buy a good insecticide and follow the instructions.  I suggest that you put your plant outside in the shade if you have a suitable place, otherwise place some newspaper around it before you spray - this will protect your furniture, carpets etc.

Hope the above advice is of use to you,

Diana