Philodendron sanguineum Sticky Leaves - Causes & Fixes

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Aphid Infestation

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that pierce the tender stems and leaf undersides of Philodendron sanguineum to suck sap, excreting a sugary substance known as honeydew.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of new leaves and stem nodes for tiny, green or black moving 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.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

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

3 Check the undersides of all leaves and new growth for any remaining pests to prevent a secondary infestation.

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Scale Insects

Scale insects attach themselves to the plant and feed on nutrients, leaving behind a sticky residue as they process sap, often accompanied by small bumps on the stems.

Very Common

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

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1 Thoroughly wipe the leaves and stems with a cloth soaked in insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the sticky residue and kill the scale insects.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Manually scrape off any visible scale bumps from the stems using a soft brush or fingernail to prevent further feeding.

3 Isolate the plant from other greenery to prevent the scale insects from spreading to your other houseplants.

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Mealybugs

These pests produce honeydew and often hide in the crevices of the Philodendron's leaf junctions, appearing as white, cottony masses.

Common

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How to confirm: Search for small, white, waxy clusters tucked into the leaf axils or where the petiole meets the stem.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of mealybugs to other greenery and wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to kill visible pests.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the entire plant, ensuring you target the leaf junctions and crevices where mealybugs hide.