Sticky Citrus Leaves Indoors: Scale or Aphids?

Honeydew on Conservatory Orange = Sap-Sucking Insects

A small indoor orange with sticky leaves/floor has either scale (brown oval bumps on stems) or aphids (green soft bodies on leaf undersides). Both excrete honeydew → sooty mold.

Identification & Treatment

1. Inspect stems & leaf undersides with magnifier.
2. Scale: Q-tip + alcohol/mineral oil on each. Systemic imidacloprid drench (Bayer Advanced) for 6–8 month control. Not if eating fruit soon.
3. Aphids: Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, repeat 3× at 5-day intervals. Or systemic.
4. Sooty mold: Wipes off with soapy water after insects controlled.

Prevention

• Quarantine new plants.
• Monitor weekly.
• Move outdoors in summer for natural predators.

Act fast—these insects multiply rapidly and weaken the tree.