Ficus Tree Dripping Milky Sap: Likely Scale Infestation

An older ficus dropping milky, water-soluble sap (latex) onto floors and furniture, with 2/3 of the tree dead, almost certainly has a scale insect infestation. The “sap” is honeydew from feeding scales.

Confirming Scale

• Inspect branches and leaves for 1/16–1/8 inch oval discs, off-white to dark brown.
• Leaves yellow and drop; branch tips die back in severe cases.
• Small flies are fungus gnats—harmless, but indicate moist soil.

Recovery Plan

1. Move outdoors in warm weather: acclimate from shade to full sun.
2. Feed monthly with 10-10-10 water-soluble fertilizer.
3. Allow soil surface to dry between waterings to control fungus gnats.
4. Outdoors, natural predators will suppress scale and gnats.

Note on Ficus Latex

Milky sap is normal for Ficus (rubber plant family). Excessive dripping is not—it signals insect activity.