Question
Hi I've had an ornamental orange tree for a few years. I put it outside in the summer and indoors in the cooler weather. As soon as I bring it indoors, the underside of leaves have spots and the leaves ooze out sticky sap like substance that it hard to clean off my floors. Lots of little oranges right now, tho green and small. I have had up to 50 loonie sized oranges at one time but don't know now if it should stay out or in. Thanks

Answer
Hi Wendy,

Your description of the spots is a bit vague, but if they are slightly raised bumps that scrape off with your fingernail, then they are scale insects. The sticky stuff is the honeydew secreted by the scale insects as they suck on the sap of your tree.

To treat scale, mix up a solution of 5 parts water, 1 part isopropyl alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key to success is to thoroughly drench ALL leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. If the spray misses just a few of the scale, then they will reproduce and return in a couple of months.

I know this is a messy job and you may want to do this outside on a mild day. Be sure to do it in the shade, away from direct rays of the sun.

I have written an article on indoor plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com