scale on Oleander
Quick answer
If your Oleander has scale, the most likely cause is: Scale insects settle on oleander and secrete waxy scales that conceal and protect each individual insect on the tough, leathery leaves, building up quietly on the foliage and on nearby stems until the infestation becomes obvious and the sticky honeydew they excrete can grow sooty mould.
Start here:
- 1. Soak an old toothbrush in soapy water and use it to wipe the waxy scales off the oleander leaves as soon as any are spotted, taking advantage of the fact that the tough oleander foliage tolerates the scrubbing.
- 2. Remove any heavily affected parts of the plant and spray the whole oleander thoroughly with derris to catch the scale insects the brushing missed, then clean off the sticky honeydew with a soapy spray before sooty mould can colonise the residue.
Why Oleander gets scale
Oleander
Scale insects settle on oleander and secrete waxy scales that conceal and protect each individual insect on the tough, leathery leaves, building up quietly on the foliage and on nearby stems until the infestation becomes obvious and the sticky honeydew they excrete can grow sooty mould.
How to reverse scale on Oleander
- 1
Soak an old toothbrush in soapy water and use it to wipe the waxy scales off the oleander leaves as soon as any are spotted, taking advantage of the fact that the tough oleander foliage tolerates the scrubbing.
- 2
Remove any heavily affected parts of the plant and spray the whole oleander thoroughly with derris to catch the scale insects the brushing missed, then clean off the sticky honeydew with a soapy spray before sooty mould can colonise the residue.
Keep scale off this Oleander
Inspect the oleander leaves and stems during routine care, because the waxy scales are easy to spot and remove by hand before the colony grows large enough to coat the plant in sticky honeydew.