how to treat sticky leaves bay laurel?

hannahsmamma

indoor pot plant now has sticky leaves, clear liquid, looks a bit droopy, what do you advise please?

sobie

Sounds most likely to be honeydew aphids, they produce a sticky sugary waste and bays are their favourite plant.

If the infestation is not severe simply spray the leaves with diluted washing up liquid, or if its a small plant dip the whole plant (except the roots) in a bucket of diluted washing up liquid. If the washing up liquid only works temporarly and the infestation is severe use a chemical spray such as Bayer Fruit & Vegetable Insect Killer as this is safe to eat.

If its Scale Insect (small brown discs will be visable on the underside of the leaves) then treat in exactly the same way but make sure you spray the underside of the leaves.