What's your question? Ask

Houseplant Pest Control

Q.Houseplant

Anonymous added on December 18, 2014 | Answered

My daughter has an office plant with a sticky white foam attached to the leaves. I haven’t been able to find the answer anywhere.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
Nikki
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on December 19, 2014

Sounds like a spittle bug problem, though it's usually more watery than sticky. They also do little damage to plants and can normally be hosed off. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spittlebug-control.htm

The stickiness could also be honeydew from another pest - aphids, mealybugs, etc. - in which case neem oil can help, as these pests will quickly reduce the health of the plant. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

I would recommend hosing the plant down well and then treating it with neem oil.

Was this answer useful?
00

Log in or sign up to help answer this question.

Did you find this helpful? Share it with your friends!

You must be logged into your account to answer a question.

If you don't have an account sign up for an account now.

Looking for more?
here are more questions about...
Houseplant Pest Control
Join Us - Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips!

Do you know a lot about gardening?
Become a GKH Gardening Expert

OK