Kalanchoe Taranta Red Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are sap-sucking insects that pierce the succulent leaves of Kalanchoe taranta to feed, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew. This residue creates the characteristic sticky texture on the leaf surfaces.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of the fleshy leaves and new growth for tiny, pear-shaped green or black insects.

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1 Spray the plant thoroughly 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 to prevent fungal growth and allow the plant to breathe.

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

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Kalanchoe, extracting nutrients and secreting honeydew. Because they are immobile, the sticky residue can accumulate unnoticed on the leaf tops.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, hard, brownish bumps stationary on the stems or leaf petioles that cannot be easily wiped off.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide spray to eliminate the scale insects and their eggs.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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

3 Inspect nearby plants and use yellow sticky traps to monitor for any migrating pests.

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Mealybugs

Mealybugs produce honeydew as they feed on the plant's juices, often accompanied by white, cottony masses in the crevices of the Kalanchoe's thick leaves.

Common

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How to confirm: Use a magnifying glass to check for small, white, fluffy clusters in the leaf axils and junctions.

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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 undersides of leaves and crevices where pests hide.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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3 Clean the surrounding area and pot to remove any leftover sticky honeydew residue that could attract secondary pests like ants or mold.

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Whitefly Infestation

Whiteflies feed on the undersides of leaves; their excretions result in sticky residue, and they often fly away in a small cloud when the plant is disturbed.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently shake the plant and watch for tiny white insects fluttering around 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 sticky 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 flying adults and monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

Super Ninja Fungus Gnat Traps - 30 Pack