jasmine disease

[horton]

I have a potted Jasmine which I have had for about 3 years.* It usually does awesome and blooms frequently.* It still looks healthy, green leaves etc, but it is covered in clear sticky stuff-looks like it has been sprayed with Karo.* Even the floor under the plant is sticky.* I see no evidence of insects etc. The plant is outside in the summer, but has been inside in a sunroom since October.

[Newt]

Hi Horton,

Sounds like your plant has either aphids or a scale insect.* The sticky stuff is called honeydew and is the waste from these pests.* Aphids will usually be found on the new tender growth, succulent stems and the underside of leaves.* They come in different colors.
http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/aphids.htm

Scale insects don't move around once they latch on.* They too come in different colors and are usually found on the stems and undersides of leaves.
http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/scales.htm

You can use insecticidal soap for the aphids.* Spray out of direct sun every 5 to 7 days until they're gone.* You can even make your own.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/hom...idal-soap.html

For scale you can use horticultural oil.* Be sure to protect the surrounding area.* Use the same way as the soap, soaking the underside of leaves.* There are several types of horticultural oil.* Most are made from petroleum.* Try and find one called Organocide, made from sesame seeds.* There is another that is synthetic that I DO NOT recommend named Oraginicide.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/no...her/not45.html

Stressed plants are often more prone to insect pests.* Check to see if your plant needs to be repotted.* If you want to keep it in the same size pot you can top and root prune.* Top pruning will make it easier to control your pest.* Using synthetic fertilizers can also lead to insect pests.* It's like steroids for your plants and can cause a succulent flush of growth that attracts the pests.* I recommend organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion mixed with seaweed.

Newt