Ever noticed your Ficus Benjamini (or Weeping Fig, as many of us call it) looking a little… sticky? It’s a super common issue, but it can definitely be a bit gross to touch! Today, we’re diving into why this happens and how you can fix it and prevent it from happening again.
Sticky Leaves on Your Weeping Fig
If you find a tacky residue on your Ficus leaves, don’t panic—it’s usually not a plant disease. Most of the time, sticky leaves are a tell-tale sign of a pest problem. Occasionally, it’s just the plant’s own natural sap making a mess. Whatever you do, don’t start hacking off leaves or tossing the whole plant in the trash! In most cases, getting rid of that sticky film is actually pretty quick and easy.
Common Culprits Behind the Stickiness
If the tops or bottoms of your Ficus leaves feel like they’ve been sprayed with soda, it’s usually down to one of two things:
- A pest infestation, or
- Leaking plant sap.
Dealing with Pests
If your Ficus has unwanted guests, sticky leaves are often the first symptom you’ll notice. Specifically, different types of aphids and scale insects leave behind a waste product called “honeydew.” This sugary substance clings to the leaves, creating that tacky surface.
To kick these bugs to the curb, start by giving your Weeping Fig a good rinse in the shower with lukewarm water. Afterward, treat the affected leaves with a homemade spray: mix one tablespoon of soft soap (like castile soap) and one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into a quart of boiled (and cooled) water. If you’re dealing with stubborn scale insects, you might need to get a bit tougher—try wiping the affected leaves directly with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Once you’ve treated the plant and cleared out the pests, that sticky texture should disappear and stay gone!
Leaking Plant Sap
Sometimes, the plant itself is the “messy eater.” The natural milky sap of the Ficus Benjamini is incredibly sticky. When you’re pruning your Ficus, sap often leaks from the fresh cuts on the branches. This sap can easily drip down and coat the leaves and stems below. To prevent a sticky situation, give your plant a quick lukewarm shower right after pruning, or simply dab the fresh cuts with a bit of paper towel to soak up the excess sap before it drips.
