Question
I recently bought a stephanotis plant and it has been growing quite nicely, lately though I have noticed a white sticky substance appearing on some of the leaves and stems.  Could you please tell me if this is normal for this plant, or what it is.  Thanks Anne

Answer
Anne:
This sticky stuff may be "honeydew" (insect poop) that drips on the leaves, sometimes from the same plant or one above it.  Read about sooty mold, a fungus that causes the leaves to turn black and grows on this honeydew which is clear and resembles a layer of varnish on the leaf surface.  My information bulletin is on the web at the address below.

http://www.uaex.edu/Other_Areas/publications/PDF/FSA-7555.pdf

Regards
Steve