Sticky ficus leaves can be a sign of pests or overwatering.
Here’s how to identify the cause and bring your ficus back to health.
Dean Schoeppner
Sticky leaves on yourficuscan be alarmingespecially when they’re accompanied by more leaf drop than usual.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Here are the common causes and treatment plans for sticky ficus leaves.
The plant’s natural sugars make this moisture sticky.
Because the moisture releases from the leaves, it will often drip onto the floor too.
Common Pests
Sap-eating pests can also be the cause of sticky ficus leaves.
Scale, mealybugs, and spider mites all create a sticky waste on leaves called honeydew.
Here’s what to look for to determine which insect may be causing the problems.
Scale:The tiny, hard-shelled insects known asscalelook likelittle gray or brown bumps.
Mealybugs:If you see little white cottony masses on your ficus, you’re likely dealing withmealybugs.
These pests are related to scale, but have soft shells.
When you do water, see to it your plant is allowed to drain thoroughly.
Scale or mealybugs:Prune away any leaves that are badly infested.
Then purchase a houseplant insecticide at the garden center, and apply it according to the label.
Organic horticultural oil sprays work better for scale, while soap sprays andneem oil spraysare better for mealybugs.
