Sticky Ficus Leaves: Honeydew from Insects, Not Transpiration

After 18 years, your ficus suddenly has sticky leaves and floor, plus yellowing drop. That stickiness is honeydew—excrement from sap-sucking insects (aphids, scale, or whitefly), not overwatering transpiration.

Treatment Plan

1. Inspect thoroughly: Check leaf undersides, stems, and soil for tiny insects, cottony masses (mealybugs), or brown bumps (scale).
2. Spray insecticide: Use a product with malathion or derris (or neem oil for organic). Cover all surfaces—top/bottom leaves, stems. Move plant outdoors or lay newspaper first.
3. Repeat: Re-treat in 7–10 days to catch hatchlings.
4. Clean up: Wash leaves with damp cloth after treatment. Mist occasionally to deter return.

Why Now?

Even healthy, long-term plants get infested. Stress from subtle changes (light, humidity) can trigger outbreaks. Your care routine is solid—just add pest monitoring.