My schefflera plant has sticky leaves & the floor is sticky around the plant. what causes this?

Question

There are little brown spots on the leaves which wash off with water & a soft cloth.

Answer 1

I suspect an aphids that secrete a honeydew that deposits on leaves and surfaces beneath the plant foliage.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/sticky-schefflera-leaves.htm

Here are some examples of options for control:
https://www.domyown.com/monterey-houseplant-insect-spray-p-11260.html

https://www.domyown.com/bonide-insecticidal-soap-rtu-p-1667.html

https://www.domyown.com/monterey-70-neem-oil-p-2841.html