Question
QUESTION: I have a 3 year old tree in a pot that I brought from Florida to Mass.  it has a dozen nice lemons. but it gets some stickiness on leaves as well as tiny brown spots on underside of leaves.  I have washed each leaf with some soapy water and it seems to help, but after a few weeks, the sticky comes back to leaves.  what am I doing wrong? it is located in a south facing sunroom and last summer had it out on deck where it was happy.

ANSWER: Hi Elizabeth:
Why on earth did you move to Mass. from Florida? It is so much warmer there than where you are now.  I am just about tired of being cold for one season.  We have ice and snow predicted here for Thurs/Fri.

Well, to your question.  The sticky/shiny stuff that you describe may indeed be a problem called "honeydew".  This is the sugary "poop" of an insect. Google honeydew on your computer to see some images to compare.  Insects like aphids and scales suck in more food from the plant leaves and stems than they can digest, so the excess just "squirts" out the posterior end of the bug. These insect typically feed on the undersides of leaves.  Solution: use an insecticide.  A good one to start with is an insecticidal soap. Basically, this is a refined type of soap that controls lots of different insects.  Most reputable garden centers carry it. It is usually easy to find.  One brand is called Safer Insecticidal Soap. Carry your tree outside and spray it all over (be sure it gets on the underside of the leaves)then let it dry and bring it back inside.  This soap comes in a spray bottle and can be used on a variety of plants.

Let me know how it goes.... and just kidding about moving.  I lived in Florida (Ft. Myers)for 6 years- got tired of having to mow my lawn year-around because the lawn never went dormant during the winter!!

Regards
Steve


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks for the lemon tree answer...and now a new question...can I use the same insecticide on my reiger begonia which has somw sand-like white "things" appearing on the top of the leaves?

Answer
Elizabeth:
Good to hear from you again. Hope your are not mad at me for teasing you about moving.

I am not so sure about the begonia problem being an insect. Do these sand things move or do they appear a little "scars" or minute punctures that appear white?  You might consider looking at these through a magnifying glass or you can also take a closeup photo of a leaf and send to me. If you do, get as close as you can to take the shot, review it on your computer to be sure it is in focus before you send it.

Another option is to carry a couple of affected leaves to your local garden center for their opinion as well.

Hope this helps!
Steve