Gooey substance on my palm tree. Can you help?
Question:First my beautiful ivy plant began to ooze a sticky, almost waxy film on the leaves, then it died. My palm tree, which was next it, now has the same gooey substance on the leaves and looks as if it is not well. I also notice little white granules along the branches. What is wrong with my plants and how how do I save them? BTW, the plants are indoors.
Answers:
Aphids excrete this substance. It is actually their waste. Ants will usually feed on it - especially if the plant is outside - and will treat the aphids like ppl do cows - moving them from one spot to the next.
My method of treatment is a bit unconventional, but is usually effective. Mix rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Put in a drop or two of dish detergent and spray away. (I usually put the plant in the bathtub, spray, and allow to dry before putting it back where it belongs)
Be certain to spray under the leaves as this is where the bugs hide. They are sneaky and will be found in the leaf folds and the point where the leaf attach's to the stem.
As for cushiony/ cottony scale or any other scale...could be...but scale is NOT easily treated. A dormant oil would be my second choice after giving the alcohol a try.
It sounds like you have cottony scale or some other scale insect. The can easily be treated with an insecticidal soap or oil. Both work by coating and suffocating the insect. You can get either at any good L&G Center. Both can be used indoors because there is no poison in them. I prefer the oil because it also acts like a "leaf shine" and makes the leaves look a little heathier.
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