Anthurium andraeanum Cherry Champion Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Scale Insect Infestation

Scale insects attach to the underside of Anthurium leaves and pierce the plant tissue to suck sap, excreting 'honeydew' which creates a sticky residue. This is one of the most common causes of sticky surfaces on tropical foliage.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems for small, immobile bumps or brown/white crusty scales.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate existing scale insects and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the sticky honeydew residue and prevent fungal growth.

3 Inspect the undersides of all leaves and stems regularly to catch any new infestations early.

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are soft-bodied insects that congregate on new growth and flower spathes of Anthuriums, secreting large amounts of sticky honeydew as they feed.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for tiny, pear-shaped insects moving around the tender new leaves or base of the spathe.

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1 Spray the plant thoroughly with an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Wipe the sticky leaves with a damp cloth to remove the accumulated honeydew and prevent the growth of sooty mold.

3 Inspect new growth and flower spathes regularly to ensure no new aphids are colonizing the plant.

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Mealybug Infestation

Mealybugs produce honeydew as they feed on the plant's vascular system, often leaving a sticky coating accompanied by white, cottony masses in leaf axils.

Common

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How to confirm: Use a magnifying glass to check for white, waxy clusters tucked into the junctions where leaves meet the stem.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately and treat the infestation with an organic insecticide to kill existing mealybugs and larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wipe the sticky leaves and white cottony masses with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove visible pests and honeydew.

3 Monitor the plant closely using yellow sticky traps to capture any remaining flying adults or migrating pests.

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Sooty Mold Growth

While not the primary cause of stickiness, sooty mold is a black fungus that grows directly on the honeydew left behind by sucking insects, making the leaves appear coated in dark soot.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the sticky residue is accompanied by a black, powdery film that can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

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1 Identify and treat the underlying pest infestation (such as aphids, scale, or mealybugs) that is producing the sticky honeydew by applying an organic insecticide.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wipe the black sooty mold off the leaves using a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild insecticidal soap to restore photosynthesis.

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not being overwatered, as high humidity can exacerbate fungal growth.