It is often caused by scale insects
The sticky droplets are the excretions of plant lice, mostly with scale insects. In some cases, however, mealybugs or mealy bugs are behind it. The excretions of the animals are called honeydew, as it is a primarily sugary solution. The animals can throw the honeydew up to 15 centimeters, which is why sticky stains on the floor are not uncommon. A sooty fungus also likes to settle on these excretions, which coats the leaf black and thus prevents it from assimilating. However, the sooty fungus can simply be washed off with water.
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Scale insects usually sit along the ducts on the underside of the leaves and on the shoots. Adult animals are immobile, they sit under an approximately two by three millimeter large, wood-like shield. Only those with bare eye Barely recognizable, white larvae can move and also tend to attack neighboring plants. The whitish to pink mealybugs and mealybugs are about four millimeters in size and are also mainly found on the undersides of the leaves and the tips of the shoots. All species are sap-sucking insects that must be removed - they rob the plant of a lot of strength and can also multiply explosively.
Watch out for ants!
A first indication of a lice infestation can - especially in the case of lemon trees standing in the open air - be a noticeable number of ants. As soon as the little creatures single-mindedly inhabit your lemon, scale insects are very often behind it. The ants love the sweet excrements of the lice and will eagerly endeavor to take good care of and defend the animals. Ant infestation is therefore often related to an as yet undiscovered louse infestation.
Fight plant lice
The easiest way to control scale and other plant lice is the chemical club. In this case, however, you can any fruits present Do not use any more, and damage to the plant itself cannot be ruled out. It would be better to rinse the plant vigorously in the shower - but cover or cover the pot well with the potting soil. put a plastic bag over it to prevent it too much water got there. Soapy water also usually has good effects. You should repeat the treatment several times at intervals of a few days in order to kill all eggs and larvae.
Tips & Tricks
You can also put smaller lemon trees upside down in a bucket with them for a few hours Dip lukewarm water - this is guaranteed to the scale insects (and also other offenders) Put an end to it.
