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We have a 25 year old Schefflera that has now developed a sticky film on the leaves everytime we bring the potted plant indoors. I have sprayed leaves with anti fungal solution but the leaves remain sticky and are now yellowing. When I place outside everyting clears up - problem is that we live in New Jersey and it is getting cold. Any suggestions??

Hi Bogerph,

I suspect your Schefflera has either aphids or scale insects. They emit a clear waste called honeydew. On outside plants you will often see ants harvesting the honeydew and protecting the pests from predators. Insecticidal soap will help get rid of them. You will need to spray every 5 to 7 days until they are gone. Scales will usually be found on the trunk and limbs and aphids are usually found on succulent leaves. Look on the understide of the leaves. Both pests come in different colors. Here's what they look like.
https://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/aphids.htm
https://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/scales.htm

You can even make your own insecticidal soap.
https://www.care2.com/greenliving/homemade-insecticidal-soap.html

Newt

bogerph,

The first thing that comes to mind is that it is [url=https://whiteflies.ifas.ufl.edu/wfly0072.htm]Honeydew[/url], a secretion of certain sap sucking/secreting insects. A Google search should return numerous hits.

How long has it been since you have re-potted it? The plant may be in decline for reasons unrelated to the sticky substance, indeed weakened plants are more susceptible (or at least more vulnerable) to insect attack.

Norm