Question
The lower leaves of my bamboo palm and an adjacent pot of ivy are covered with a very sticky fluid that is hard to remove even with alcohol. It is mostly on the tops of the leaves; there is almost none on the leaf bottoms. There is no sign of scale or white fly nor can I see any other insect. These plants were all thriving for years, and not they're losing leaves, and the ivy is losing entire branches. I can't find anything about this in my plant books. Please advise.

Thanks, ingrid wiegand

Answer
Hi Ingrid,
Have you checked for spider mite or aphids?  It really sounds as if there is some type of a pest on your plants.  Aphids will produce what is called 'honeydew', which is a sticky sap type substance.  Check for small webs in the leaf brackets.  
Let me know if you find anything.
Good Luck
Leslie