Why does your Rhododendron flammeum have sticky leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that inject excess sugars into the plant via their saliva, creating a sticky substance known as honeydew. This is particularly common on tender new growth of Rhododendron flammeum.
Scale insects attach themselves to the stems and leaf petioles of Rhododendrons, secreting honeydew as they feed on plant fluids. This residue can coat the leaves in a sticky film.
While not the primary cause of stickiness, sooty mold grows as a black fungus on the honeydew left by pests. It creates a dark, crusty appearance that can make the foliage feel tacky.
These soft-bodied insects produce a sugary excretion and are often covered in a white, waxy fluff. Their presence leads to sticky patches around leaf axils in Flame Rhododendrons.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues:
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