SCALE

If your plant is dripping sticky sap and you have small, flat oval shapes on the leaves and stems, then your plant may have scale. You will see the densest populations around areas of new growth and plant joints.

Scale is an insect 1/8 to 1/16” long that sucks the sap out of plants. It is actually the scale that produces the sticky mess under the plants and on the leaves. They often cause a secondary problem – sooty mold – that feeds on the honeydew excreted by the scale. This mold can block the light receptors and interfere with photosynthesis of the plants.

Scale seems to prefer woody plants. They will live on all parts of the plant including roots under the soil.

There are three types: soft-shelled (soft), hard-shelled (armored) and mealybugs. Mealy bugs look like little bits of white fluff on the plant.

Once scale is established, it’s difficult to get rid of. Even though it can’t fly, it can crawl from plant to plant so keep the infested ones separated from the healthy ones.

SOLUTIONS
Scale lay their eggs and the female keeps them protected under her body. When they develop to the nymph stage, they will crawl out and look for their own place to settle in. This is when they are most vulnerable to sprays.

Try spraying Neem oil weekly for several weeks or other insecticidal sprays meant for scale. There are recipes for home-made solutions online but be sure to test it on a leaf before spraying your whole plant. You will need to spray every single insect so be very thorough.

If your plant is outdoors, try using a natural predator such as soldier beetles, parasitic wasps or lady bugs.

On large plants, it is often recommended that you toss it and buy a new one. It won’t kill the plant but it will sap its health.