Black Lumps on Ficus Stems? Likely Scale Insects—Here's What to Do

Identifying and Treating Scale on Ficus Trees

A florist named Brenda has 8 ficus trees; those on a living room window ledge developed spreading black lumps on stems. She pruned affected branches, but it spread to all nearby trees.

What Are the Black Lumps?

Will Creed suspects scale insects—slightly raised, dark, oval bumps (~3/8 inch) on leaf stems and leaf undersides that scrape off with a fingernail. They secrete sticky honeydew, often the first noticeable sign.

Next Steps

If this matches what Brenda sees, Will will provide treatment instructions. He can be reached at wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com or via HorticulturalHelp.com.