Expert: Diana Hamilton - 6/24/2009

Question
I've got something terribly wrong with my indoor  plants. The leaves are shiny with a sticky substance - and the room surfaces all around the plant are also sticky. (I discovered the plant as the source after several apartment cleanings..!) So it's somehow exuding this from the leaves (?).
The plant itself seems to be growing fine - lots of strong, tall new stalks, etc. - though the leaves do show some indication of dis-ease (some black spots in areas, a (very) few holes here and there, and the usual dried edges..).
I'm guessing fungus over pests...any advice?  

Answer
Dear Luis,

Could be both I'm afraid.

Some insects i.e. aphids, whitefly and mealy bug feed on the sap of the plant and exude a sticky substance called honeydew. I doubt very much that your plants have mealy bug the as you would have noticed them as they are white and deposit a white cottony fluff on the stems and leaves.  You need to spray with a proprietary insecticide. Try to get a systemic insecticide as this enters the leaves and stems so that any future insects alighting will be killed when they suck the sap.

The holes may be caused by caterpillars so have a good look to see if there are any on your plants - usually you will find them on the underside of leaves.  If there are any just pick them off and destroy them.  If they have deposited any eggs then wash these off.

The black spots may be caused by a fungus - when you go to buy your insecticide I would take a damaged leaf with you and ask for advice in the store.

I do hope the above is of help to you.

Diana