Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Spotlight Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the tender new growth of Hydrangeas to suck sap, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew which creates the sticky residue.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves and new flower buds for tiny, green or black moving insects.

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1 Apply 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

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In Stock

2 Wash the sticky residue off the leaves using a firm stream of water or a gentle insecticidal soap spray to prevent fungal growth.

Bonide Captain Jack's Insecticidal Super Soap 32 oz

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3 Inspect new growth regularly and use yellow sticky traps to monitor for any remaining flying aphids.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaf petioles of Hydrangeas; they also excrete honeydew that accumulates on the leaf surfaces, making them feel tacky.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, hard, scale-like bumps stationary on the stems or leaf stalks.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the plant to eliminate existing scale insects and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

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

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

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Whitefly Infestation

Whiteflies reside on the undersides of leaves and feed on plant fluids, leaving behind a sticky film that can eventually lead to the growth of black sooty mold.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently shake a branch to see if a cloud of tiny white insects flies up from the foliage.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the undersides of the leaves to eliminate adult whiteflies and larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Use yellow sticky traps near the plant to capture flying adults and monitor the infestation level.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack

30 pcs

$7

In Stock

3 Gently wipe the sticky residue and any developing sooty mold from the leaves using a soft cloth and water.

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Sooty Mold

While not the primary cause, sooty mold is a black fungus that grows directly on the sticky honeydew left by other pests, often making the leaves look dirty or coated in soot.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the stickiness is accompanied by a black, powdery coating that can be wiped off the leaf surface.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Identify and treat the underlying pest causing the sticky honeydew, such as aphids or scale, using an organic insecticide spray.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Gently wash the affected leaves with a soft cloth and water to remove the black sooty mold residue and restore photosynthesis.

3 Monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not under environmental stress, which can make it more susceptible to pest infestations.