My Honey Bush Has Black, Sticky Infestation On The Leaves

Question

I cut back my honey bush plants and they grow back fine but they get infested with black sticky stuff. It’s only on tge honey bush. I live in Santa Monica California. Any ideas on what it is and how to treat it. Thank you

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Answer 1

It likely is sooty mold, which means the plant probably has an insect problem which is producing honeydew. Check the leaves for aphids or scale. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/melianthus-honeybush/caring-for-melianthus-honeybush.htm

https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=18411