How Do You Remove Sap?

Question

I have a large indoor peace lily and on the floor underneath it, it is sticky. I suspect it is a plant sap of sorts and wondered how to remove it.

Answer 1

The plant may have a pest problem and the pests are secreting honeydew. It would be almost the consistency of water, only very sticky. I would recommend spraying down the plant with water and then follow up with a spray treatment of neem oil to take care of the pest in question, likely aphids or mealybugs. The honeydew on the floor can normally be cleaned up with some good old soap and water.

Answer 2

Yea, probably either scale or aphids. I would fix a spray bottle of water, 2 tablespoons of mild liquid detergent (Dr Bonner’s is perfect), and 1 teaspoon of alcohol (rubbing type). Spray the plant all over, especially up onto the undersides of the leaves and stems, which is where the bugs are congregating. Let it drip for awhile, then wipe up the floor, which will clean up the sticky there. You will need to repeat the treatment once a week for 2 – 4 weeks, depending on how bad the infestation is. You’ll be able to tell when all the bugs are dead because there will be no more sticky stuff.