What is the sticky stuff on my leaves?

That is likely honeydew, a substance left behind by whiteflies. You should wash the leaves with soapy water to remove it.

How do I get rid of whiteflies permanently?

Persistence is key. Keep treating the plant with insecticidal soap every week until you no longer see any adult flies or eggs.

Why are my Chinese privet leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny white bugs.
Check the soil moisture to see if the plant is thirsty.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Whitefly infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see tiny white insects flying around when you touch the plant. The leaves look curled, sticky, or yellowed.
What to do: Spray the undersides of the leaves with insecticidal soap or a strong stream of water. Repeat this every 5 to 7 days until the insects are gone.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day. The soil feels very dry and the plant looks wilted.
What to do: Move the plant to a slightly cooler area or provide some shade during the afternoon. Ensure you are watering thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your chinese privet

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Curling is a sign of stress that needs attention before the plant loses too many leaves. It is normal for leaves to curl slightly if the plant is very thirsty on a hot day.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant clean and check the undersides of leaves regularly for pests. Maintain consistent watering to avoid heat stress.

Chinese privet: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your chinese privet and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

What is the sticky stuff on my leaves?: That is likely honeydew, a substance left behind by whiteflies. You should wash the leaves with soapy water to remove it.
How do I get rid of whiteflies permanently?: Persistence is key. Keep treating the plant with insecticidal soap every week until you no longer see any adult flies or eggs.

Guides to these causes

Whitefly

Why are my Chinese privet leaves curling?