Kalanchoe Rosalina Don Geraldo Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are common pests for Kalanchoe species; they pierce the succulent leaves to suck sap, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew that creates a sticky residue.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the thick leaves and new growth for tiny, soft-bodied insects or clusters of eggs.

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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 Gently wipe the sticky residue off the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent fungal growth and allow the plant to breathe.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth regularly to ensure no new pests are developing.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Kalanchoe, feeding on sap and producing honeydew that coats the plant surface in a sticky film.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, brownish, or stationary bumps on the stems that do not move when prodded with a fingernail.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate existing scale insects and prevent further feeding.

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 or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the honeydew residue and dislodge visible insects.

3 Inspect nearby plants to ensure the infestation has not spread, and isolate the Kalanchoe if necessary.

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Mealybug Infestation

Mealybugs produce honeydew as they feed on the plant's juices, often accompanied by white, cottony masses in the leaf axils of the Don Geraldo variety.

Common

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How to confirm: Search for small, white, fluffy patches tucked into the crevices where the leaves meet the stem.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of mealybugs to other greenery and wipe away visible white cottony masses with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the entire plant, ensuring you coat the leaf axils where pests hide, to eliminate remaining insects and larvae.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not overwatered, as excess moisture can encourage pest environments.