Seeing white sticky stuff on the Jade plant?
It's a sign of insect infestation!
That's right! Your houseplant has been infested by some of the common garden bugs, and you need to fix it as soon as possible.
So, how do you fix this issue? Let's learn more about it in today's guide.
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What Is White Sticky Stuff On Jade Plant?
If you are seeing a white sticky substance on the Jade plant, there is a high probability that the plant has mealybugs infestation.
But there could also be other issues, which exude similar white sap from the leaves and branches of the plant.
Overall, it's a common problem in indoor plants. It usually happens when the plant is weak, overwatered, or the atmospheric conditions are not favorable.
When the plant goes through all sorts of stress, it sends an invitation to these types of issues.
But not to worry! It's fairly easy to tackle this problem.
In the following section, I have talked more about the possible causes of this issue in the Jade plant.
Why Do You See White Sticky Stuff On Jade Plant?
Here are a few reasons why you see white sap on your houseplant -
1. Mealybugs
As discussed above, the Mealybugs infestation produces such a white substance in your Jade plant. These little bugs feed on the juices collected from weaker parts of the plant.
And in the end, they release a white substance called honeydew, which is always sticky in nature.
You will often see their colonies underneath the leaves and branches. These bugs attack the fresh and tender parts of the plant, which are generally weaker and have more juices in them.
If left untreated, the mealybugs can cause serious damage to the plant. And it'd also be difficult to revive it from that stage.
2. Scale
Scales are related to Mealybugs.
These bugs also have white-colored bodies and colonies. They thrive on the same juices available inside the plant's body.
However, the Scale problem is not as common as Mealybugs. So, it's most likely that your plant has Mealybugs infestation more than anything else.
3. Aphids
Aphids are another well-known problem in Jade plants.
They appear in black or white color, and you can easily spot them on the surface of the leaves. These soft-bodied insects also feed on the sap produced by the plant.
Aphids are also the tough ones to remove from the plants. They don't disappear with 1-2 sprays.
You must be persistent with your tasks and processes to resolve this issue completely.
4. Whiteflies
Whitefly, as the name suggests, is an insect that lives on the plant.
It also feeds on the juices in the leaves and branches, eventually weakening the plant.
Whiteflies are also easily identifiable as they live in groups and have wings to fly. They are also quite different from other insects shared in this guide above.
So, you shouldn't find it too difficult to inspect and see them on your Jade plant.
5. White Mold
White mold is a sign of a fungal attack.
Although it appears a bit different from some of the white substance-producing insects, it's equally damaging to the plant.
Once the fungus gets on the plant, it attacks fresh leaves and branches. And if you don't tackle it soon, you will have to consider getting a new Jade plant altogether.
Therefore, it becomes essential to check these things closely on your plant's surface. If you can't understand the exact issue, use a magnifying glass to examine the white stuff on the leaves or branches.
Meanwhile, if you've already identified the problem, check out the next section to know more about the ways to fix it entirely.
4 Ways To Fix The White Sticky Stuff Issue On Your Jade Plant
Here's what you should do -
1. Use Rubbing Alcohol & Water Spray
This is the most effective method to address the Mealybugs infestation on your Jade plant. It also works against other insects' problems.
Here's how you can use it -
- Get a spray bottle and add 1 part of rubbing alcohol to 9 parts of water to it.
- Shake it thoroughly and spray it on the plant.
You should follow the same procedure a few more times so that there won't be any issues with the plant again.
Check out the following video for more details -
You may also include insecticide soap in this spray mix, as it will help increase the efficacy of this solution. Other than that, you can try vinegar as well.
It also has beneficial properties that work against these little bugs.
2. Use Neem Oil
The next option is to use Neem Oil spray.
It's a tried and tested tool to fight against white sticky stuff-producing insects, including Mealybugs, Aphids, Scale, etc. It's also an organic solvent, so you will not have to think much about it.
As for the usage, you can mix one tablespoon of Neem Oil with 1 liter of water. The good thing about this oil is you don't have to use it in large quantities.
Just a tablespoon of oil is enough to resolve the insect's problem.
And oh, it also works well for the fungal or bacterial attack on the plants. So, consider using it whenever you see something like it on your houseplants.
Similar to the rubbing alcohol solution, you will have to spray Neem Oil several times more. This oil can cause burns on some of the delicate parts of the plant. It should always be used in diluted form.
3. Use Insecticides
There are many garden insecticides available on the market.
And these insecticides do work well in fixing such plant issues.
However, when you search for one of these insecticide products, make sure you read the reviews and descriptions. The product should be fit for the Jade plant or any other plant in your indoor garden.
Also, when you get this product, read the instructions given on the product or instructions document. Do not use it directly, especially when you have never tried such products in your garden.
4. Soap Solution
You can also use a soapy solution if you don't have any of these resources at your place.
However, in my experience, this type of spray doesn't work as effectively as other suggested solutions in this guide. It might work great if the infestation is under control.
If you don't see too much white substance on the plant, you should definitely go ahead and fix the problem with this solution.
Like other sprays, you will have to perform it at least a couple more times. So, consider spraying the plant every 7-10 days until the infestation disappears.
Also, don't forget to cover the soil with Aluminum foil so that the water doesn't seep into it. The Jade plant is succulent, and it doesn't require a lot of water.
In the next section, I have answered the FAQs by the readers.
Do take a look at them, as some of these answers might help resolve your doubts too.
FAQs
First thing, you should stop watering your Jade plant.
Generally, overwatering leads to this kind of issue in houseplants. Secondly, you should use Neem Oil, Rubbing alcohol, or Fungicide spray on the affected areas of the plant.
Follow the spraying session again after a week.
One more thing, keep your plant in partial or direct sunlight.
It's likely to be the Mealybug issue on the plant.
But you should inspect it thoroughly to rule out some of the other bugs' problems.
You can spray insecticides or homemade solutions to remove Mealyabugs from the plant.
You can also try to get rid of them by hand, though you must wear garden gloves while carrying out this activity in our garden. If the plant is weak, provide fertilizer to it.
Like the Mealybugs problem, you can use garden insecticides or homemade solutions to eliminate Aphids.
You should also consider using water spray on the plants, as it might help in reducing the infestation to a great extent.
The only way you can stop Mealybugs' infestation is by providing good care to the plant.
If the plant is strong, there is less probability of attracting such pests. You should address this issue immediately if you see it on any indoor plants.
Over To You
Still wondering what the white sticky stuff is on your Jade plant?
Well, as I said, it's most probably the Mealybug infestation.
And if you are not sure, please leave a comment with your queries. I'd be glad to help you out.
Meanwhile, if this guide helped you solve this problem, please share it with your friends and family.
Catherine says
Thank you! Very helpful! Hope to save my jade plant.
Harshad says
Hey Catherine,
You're welcome! I'm glad I could help.
Do let me know if you have any further questions or need more help.
Best of luck with your Jade plant!