Sticky Residue on Schefflera: Honeydew from Sucking Insects

Diagnosis

Shiny sticky goo on lower leaves = honeydew from scale, aphids, or mealybugs. Sooty mold (black) will follow.

Identify the Pest

• Scale: Brown/white bumps on stems/leaf undersides, immobile.
• Aphids: Tiny green/black clusters on new growth, mobile.
• Mealybugs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils.

Treatment

1. Rubbing alcohol: Q-tip on visible pests, OR spray 1:8 alcohol:water + soap on all surfaces. Repeat weekly ×3.
2. Resource: Cornell factsheet on sooty mold: link.

Act fast—honeydew attracts ants and mold.