Sticky Aeonium

[Brian]

The leaves of my aeonium euochiae(?) - approx 9 inches high - have been sticky to touch for some time. I thought it was just that plant but now I have noticed some small round sticky blobbs here and there. Does not seem to be the usual mealy bug, which is more wooly, but perhaps it is? The plant has been put outside the greenhouse to isolate it for now.

I have no idea at all why this is and how to treat it, can anybody help? I was thinking of unpotting it and giving a shower and then repotting.

[georged]

Any sign of aphids? It sounds like their honeydew.

[Brian]

No sign of aphids, George, but I am keeping a close look out. Do you think I would expect to see the aphids flying round or will they be hiding!!??

[topsy]

Hi Brian,

I think the label is mispelled, I believe it should be Aeonium goochiae and this is a sticky leaved species. That is not to say that you do not have aphids on the plant. It is native to the Island of La Palma. Should it flower for you they should be pink.

Best wishes, Suzanne Mace

[georged]

No sign of aphids, George, but I am keeping a close look out. Do you think I would expect to see the aphids flying round or will they be hiding!!??

If it is aphids you should be able to see them on the plant, usually on the underside of the leaf or at the centre of the plant where the tissue is softest.

[Brian]

Thanks topsy and georged. Yes topsy it is probably naturally sticky, so how stupid do I feel? I think there are aphid around too, so will need to keep a watch on them. Thanks for your help again.