Help! Strange white specks on leaves!

DanteNme · Wed Jun 03, 2015 1:33 pm

Hello! I noticed a strange white sticky substance on one of my house plants (unfortunately I am not sure what the plant is called, sorry!). Does anyone have any suggestions what it could be? The leaves have been yellowing as well and black spots have been developing on the leaves. I would really appreciate some tips! Thanks! Paulina

GardeningCook · Wed Jun 03, 2015 4:22 pm

Ugh - you have quite an infestation going on there. That clear sticky substance - aka "honeydew" - is caused by any number of planting-sucking pests - aphids, wooly aphids, scale, white fly, ad infinitum - & needs to be resolved asap before you lose the plant.

What has worked the best for me on any number of houseplants over the years has been to first gently wash/rinse the leaves with plain water & allow to dry. Then apply spray Safer brand insecticidal soap (comes in a concentrate as well as in a pre-mixed spray at any big-box home improvement store or garden center) to both upper & lower leaf sides. Repeat every week or two until no further signs of the pests appear.

DanteNme · Wed Jun 03, 2015 5:39 pm

Thank you! I've moved the plant outside for now so the bugs don't spread to my other plants and I rinsed the leaves. I will get the soap tomorrow. Thanks for letting me know it's serious!

GardeningCook · Wed Jun 03, 2015 6:18 pm

Do keep a close eye on your other houseplants. Whatever pest that's causing this (& as I said, it could be one of several) can move through a collection quickly.