Co-Authored By:
The cause of the sticky leaf is normally scale insects on the plant. Scale insects feed and suck sap (the juices) out of houseplants. The sticky residue on the leaves and floor is what they secrete and is a sticky substance called honeydw or sticky honeydew. Too often people only look at the top leaves.
In this manner, how do you get rid of sticky residue on plants?
Using a soft cloth or cotton swab, apply 2 tsp. of dish detergent mixed with a gallon of water to the plant, then wipe it again with clean water. Alternatively, apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. Try to wipe away as many scales as possible without harming the plant.
Similarly, you may ask, why do ficus leaves get sticky?
Sucking insects such as scale and mealy bugs could be on the plant, feeding on the foliage, and then releasing a sticky substance called honeydew. The plant loses extra water from the tips of the leaves. The moisture contains natural sugars which can be sticky and can discolor the floor.
The stickiness is due to the production of honeydew, the sugary excretion of the scales. Plants covered with sticky, white powdery clumps indicate a mealy bug infestation.