Schefflera sticky leaves

Honeydew can drip from scale, mealybugs, or aphids higher in the canopy onto leaves and furniture below. Examine stems, leaf ribs, and the joints within each leaf cluster.

Remove insects and monitor fresh residue

Scale may look like small attached bumps; mealybugs form white waxy clusters. Separate the plant, wipe off visible insects with a damp cloth or swab, and clean honeydew.

Use the houseplant pest guide to choose a labeled treatment and repeat it for newly hatched stages. Check for fresh stickiness after cleaning. Washing the sugar away improves visibility but does not by itself remove hidden pests.