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Sticky fungus on my plant

Posted on January 9, 2007

Question:
Hi Chuck
A year ago last summer I lost an old house plant to some sort of sticky fungus. I thought I had gotten rid of all the offending plant soil, leaves and what have you. Now it seems it's back. This past summer it appeared on a shafflara (spelling?) and a palm that I had planted together. They are very young and small plants. I took them outside and put a fungus soap on them, several applications, and they seemed to come back healthily. I brought them back in as the fall air started to cool, set the pot next to my pointsettia and I now realize that the sticky stuff is back. It has invaded them as well as my pointsettia as well as the other two. Some of the poinsettia branches are not smooth any more, but bumpy. The leaves are yellowing, wilting and dying. I have treated it with the fungus soap, it seems to have helped but I think I'm losing the battle. This is very distressing because I've had this plant for many years. It usually comes out in red foliage and it is about 4 feet tall. Can you give me any advice? Thank you so much for your time. I am grateful for any help you can give me.

Eleanor

Answer:
This sounds like scale insect which is an insect not a fungus. However, as they feed the sap usually drips and makes the plant sticky. Then a fungus called black sooty mold attacks this sap. The mold does not hurt the plant but blankets the plant so no light can penetrate, hence no photosynthesis, which the plant needs to survive. fertilome scalicide should be applied and for long term fertilome systemic insecticide granules. See us for application rates on specific plants. Always follow label instructions.

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