Sticky Sap on Ficus: Insect Honeydew, Not Plant Sap

The Real Culprit

Sticky residue is insect excrement (honeydew). Even without visible bugs, you likely have:

• Aphids (tiny, various colors; often with ants)
• Mealybugs (cottony masses)
• Scale (flat, circular, flickable with knife)

Treatment

Mix 2 cups water + 2 cups isopropyl alcohol + 1 tsp dish soap. Spray all leaf surfaces (top and bottom) every 3 days for a month. For scale: dab with alcohol‑soaked Q‑tips, then spray straight alcohol, repeat every 3 days.

Consistency breaks the reproductive cycle.