Why does a seven year old indoor Ficus benjamina produce a sticky clear substance from it leaves? Aside from this problem, which could send it to 'plant heaven' it looks fine. No obvious bugs or disease. Now that I've put it outside, the problem seems to have stopped. Can something be done to eliminate the sticky residue from occurring? We're in PA with forced air heating.
sticky Ficus benjamina
Your Ficus likely has a scale infestation. It probably became inconspicuous because of low temperatures causing inactivity and natural predators reducing pest numbers.
Prophylactically, regular applications of neem oil at two week intervals before you bring the plant in (come fall) will work very well and are safe. As a fixative, mechanical removal is helpful while the most common treatment is application of a systemic insecticide.
Al
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