A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Sticky Ivy

Hi Friends,

I have an English ivy indoor plant that has become very sticky, secreting a strange sticky substance. Some of the leaves were turning yellow. I brought the plant home from work and sprayed it with a soap solution a couple of times and we cut it back quite a bit. Today, I added some Ironite to it, too!

What do you think is causing the sticky secretion?

Thanks,

well, the only thing i can think of is aphids, they create a sticky honeydew on the plants. but, you'll have to wait for someone more knowlegable to come in and tell you what to do about them 'cause i just don't remember

Could be aphids, but it sounds like scale bugs. They also secrete honeydew. Look for small brown bumps on the underside of the leaves and on the stems. They don't look alive, but trust me, they are. The little cowards hide under a thick protective covering. To get at 'em, wash the plant once a week or so for at least a month, with mild soapy water and a tablespoon of rubbing alcohol (thats if you are using 1/2 gallon of water), which breaks down their "scale". Good luck.