Insects Several species of scale insects commonly infest plants in the home or greenhouse. Some scales are hemispherical in shape, while others are oval and flat. Scale insects feed by sucking plant sap and may cause poor, stunted growth. Death of infested plants is possible in severe cases. A large quantity of a sweet sticky liquid called honeydew is excreted by scale insects.
Honeydew can make a sticky, shiny mess on the plant and nearby furniture and floors.
A black fungus called sooty mold may grow on the honeydew. Scale insects are difficult to control. There are several well-known remedies that can be tried in an attempt to eliminate scales from a houseplant. However, there is no easy, simple cure for a scale infestation. This is a laborious task that works only on small, large-leafed plants.