Why does your Hibiscus rosa sinensis Cheerleader Dutch Orange have sticky leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the tender new growth of Hibiscus to suck sap, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew. This residue makes the leaves feel sticky and can lead to leaf curling.
Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaf veins of the 'Cheerleader' series, feeding on phloem sap. Like aphids, they excrete honeydew which coats the foliage in a sticky film.
Whiteflies congregate on the undersides of Hibiscus leaves, sucking nutrients and leaving behind sticky honeydew. A sudden cloud of tiny white insects appearing when you shake the plant is a classic sign.
Mealybugs are related to scale and aphids; they produce honeydew as they feed on the plant's vascular system. They often appear as white, cottony masses in the leaf axils of the Hibiscus.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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