Treating Honeydew and Sooty Mold on Houseplants Caused by Aphids or Scale

White sticky lumpy substance on stems/leaves; powdery on leaves.

Identification

• Honeydew: Sugary excretion from aphids/scale feeding on sap.
• Sooty mold: White powdery fungus growing on honeydew.

Treatment

Spray entire plant (front/back of leaves, soil surface) with full‑strength rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Repeat twice weekly for 4 weeks to catch hatching eggs. Alcohol does not harm the plant. Clean surrounding surfaces with alcohol‑soaked paper towels.