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Fatsia Japonica (indoor plant) Leaf Disease?

sunny daysunny day Posts: 4

Hello,

I'd love some help with my 2 indoor fatsia japonica.

Over the past year or so, the leaves have developed these tiny brown marks on the leaves - which on closer examination look are some sort of insect that is sitting on top of the leaf (I was going to say they have buried their way in, but they are just sitting on the top, but are very flat).

Along with these, there is a sticky transparent substance on the leaves.I have tried to poke the insects off and wash off the substance carefully, but they return.

It doesn't seem to deter the growth of the plant as I have new leaves growing both on the main stem and at the bottom near the soil.
But it really looks as if it is unhealthy - and is a bit unsightly.

If anyone can shed any light on it, I'd be really grateful!
Many thanks!

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Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546

    They are sap-sucking scale insects. They are generally found along the leaf veins. Check the undersides and don't miss the small immature green ones. Scrub them off with an old toothbrush and some water with a couple of drops of washing up liquid added, or use a cotton bud dipped in methylated spirits to just touch their backs. The sticky stuff is honeydew which they produce and can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

    Last edited: 13 June 2016 18:25:29

  • sunny daysunny day Posts: 4

    Oh, amazing! Thank you so much for your reply! I will do that straight away! (By any chance do you know how they got there in the first place?)

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