Brassica oleracea acephala f.tricolor Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are common pests on ornamental kale that suck sap from the tender leaves, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew. This honeydew is the primary cause of the sticky residue found on the leaf surfaces.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves and the tight crevices of the rosette for small, soft-bodied green or black insects.

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1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the aphid population and stop the production of honeydew.

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2 Use a strong stream of water to physically wash aphids and sticky residue off the leaves.

3 Monitor the plant with yellow sticky traps to capture any remaining flying aphids or adults.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Brassica species to feed on sap, leaving behind sticky honeydew as a byproduct. They are often harder to see than aphids because they resemble small bumps or bumps on the plant surface.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, stationary, scale-like bumps on the stems or leaf petioles that do not move when disturbed.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Inspect the stems and undersides of leaves for small, bump-like scales and remove visible insects manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the plant to eliminate remaining scale insects and control the production of sticky honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Wipe away the sticky residue from the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent the growth of sooty mold and allow the plant to breathe.

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Whitefly Infestation

Whiteflies congregate on the undersides of kale leaves and excrete honeydew, which can cause a sticky film. A sudden cloud of tiny white insects may emerge when the plant is disturbed.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently shake the plant and observe if a swarm of tiny white flying insects emerges from beneath the foliage.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide to eliminate the whitefly 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 Place yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture adult whiteflies and monitor the infestation level.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack