My ivy plant has a sticky sap-like substance on the leaves. What is it?

Question

My ivy plant has a sticky sap-like substance on the leaves and some leaves are drying up and dying. I have cuttings from this same plant that I'm getting to grow roots in a separate jar of water and these cuttings now have the same problem! Is it a pest or disease? What to do?

Answer 1

Dont touch it. That sticky substance can be very hard to get off with water. It is supposed to ooze out of the plant because it protects it from insects that try to do damage to it.

Answer 2

This is known as honeydew, a sugar rich subtance secreted by aphids and some scale insects. It is not normally harmful plant life.

Answer 3

never heard of that on 'ivy'.  unless your plants are underneath some sappy tree?  but you said you have clippings in a jar of water with the same?  hmm dunno.  personally, i would get rid of all of it and get some healthy fresh ivy and start over.  

Answer 4

Honeydew from aphids, scale or mealybugs.