Symptoms
- check_circleSticky, tacky feeling on leaf surfaces
- check_circleShiny, glistening patches on leaves or surrounding surfaces
- check_circleBlack sooty mould developing on top of the stickiness
- check_circleAnts running up and down the plant (feeding on honeydew)
Causes
- arrow_rightAphid infestation — most common; look for clusters of tiny insects on new growth
- arrow_rightScale insects — oval brown bumps on stems
- arrow_rightWhitefly — tiny white flying insects on leaf undersides
- arrow_rightMealybugs — white cottony clusters in leaf joints
How to Diagnose
Turn the plant upside down and inspect leaf undersides and stem junctions closely. Aphids are visible clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects. Scale looks like small brown or grey bumps that don't move. Whitefly clouds of tiny white insects fly up when the plant is disturbed.
Treatment
Identify the pest first, then treat accordingly. Aphids: blast with water, spray with diluted soap solution. Scale: scrape off manually, treat with neem oil. Whitefly: yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap spray. Mealybugs: swab with isopropyl alcohol. All: isolate the plant first.
Prevention
Inspect plants regularly, especially undersides of leaves. Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks. Keep plants healthy — stressed plants are more vulnerable. Encourage natural predators outdoors (ladybirds eat aphids).
Affected Plants
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