Kalanchoe Taranta Pink Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the succulent leaves of Kalanchoe to suck out sap, excreting a sugary substance called honeydew. This residue creates the characteristic sticky film on the leaf surfaces.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the leaves and new growth for tiny, green or pink crawling insects.

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

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2 Wipe the sticky residue off the leaves using a soft cloth dampened with water or insecticidal soap to prevent fungal growth.

3 Inspect the undersides of leaves and new growth regularly, and use yellow sticky traps to capture any remaining flying aphids.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems or leaf undersides of Kalanchoe and feed on plant fluids, producing honeydew as a byproduct. Unlike aphids, they appear as stationary, hard bumps or shells.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, brownish, immobile bumps on the stems or leaf petioles that can be scraped off with a fingernail.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide to eliminate the scale insects and stop the production of honeydew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Physically remove visible scale insects from stems and leaf undersides using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

3 Wipe the sticky residue from the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent fungal growth and allow the plant to breathe.

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Mealybugs

Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests that produce honeydew which makes leaves sticky. They are often accompanied by white, cottony masses in the crevices of the plant.

Common

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How to confirm: Check the junctions between leaf stems and the base of the plant for white, fuzzy patches.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of mealybugs to other greenery and treat the infestation with an organic insecticide spray.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to manually remove visible white, cottony masses from the crevices of the leaves.

3 Wipe the sticky residue (honeydew) off the leaves with a damp cloth to prevent fungal growth and allow the plant to breathe.

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Sooty Mold

While not a primary cause, sooty mold is a dark fungus that grows specifically on the sticky honeydew left by sucking insects. It can eventually coat the pink leaves in a black, powdery layer.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the stickiness is accompanied by a black, soot-like coating that can be wiped away with a damp cloth.

build How to fix it

shopping_cart Recommended Products

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

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

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

3 Monitor the soil moisture levels to ensure the plant is not being overwatered, which can create a humid environment conducive to mold growth.