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May 10, 2024 3:35 AM CST
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Widnes
My hydrangea is spraying a fluid and it's leaves are wet ...what can I do
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May 10, 2024 9:12 AM CST
Name: Zoƫ
Albuquerque NM, Elev 5310 ft (Zone 7b)
Bee Lover Salvias Region: New Mexico Herbs Container Gardener Composter
Cat Lover Butterflies Bookworm Birds Enjoys or suffers hot summers
You have a significant pest infestation, possibly aphids. They (and other insects) secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which is what's covering the leaves and dripping on the floor.

First step, identify the pest by examining top and undersides of the leaves. If aphids, those visible white specks are shedded exoskeletons; the live aphids will be on newer growth, buds, and on the undersides of the leaves. Could also be mealy bugs (fuzzy white clumps). If you're unsure, post again here with closeup photos.

Sometimes a good blast from the hose will remove aphids, sometimes they will leave on their own, sometimes they'll persist and attract ants and sooty mold and you'll be best served using insecticidal soap. But again, first figure out what you've got.
Avatar for luis_pr
May 10, 2024 2:33 PM CST
Name: Luis
Hurst, TX, U.S.A. (Zone 8a)
Azaleas Salvias Roses Plumerias Region: Northeast US Region: New Hampshire
Hydrangeas Hibiscus Region: Georgia Region: Florida Dog Lover Region: Texas
There are several insects that secrete honeydew. Aphids are one example and, in time, the honeydew will convert to a black sooty mold fungus. Scale, mealy bugs, etc. can also secrete this honeydew excrement. Identify if and which type of insect is the causal agent in order to apply appropriate counter measures. You can take pest samples to a local plant nursery or garden center for identification. Check at night, above/below the leaves, in the soil or below rocks/debris.

It could also be guttation from leaf margins in humid climates. Hydathodes in hydrangeas are typically found at the leaf margins or tips and they help regulate water balance in the plant and can excrete excess water as droplets. Widnes has had high relative humidity recently, approaching 90% so this could promote guttation. Consider not watering if the soil is already soggy before you irrigate but guttation is a normal process, especially if you periodically do not detect insect pests.
Last edited by luis_pr May 11, 2024 4:25 AM Icon for preview
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