Ficus Tree changes

Either my ficus tree is going through a change or it has acquired some kind of pest. There is white crusty stuff at the base of many leaves that appear to drip clear liquid. Just one nodule of this stuff on the affected leaves and that's it. Also there are berries appearing as well and lots of new growth. Would these things be related? I have attached a couple of pictures for clarity of my description of the white crusty stuff.

 

Given the time of year, your Ficus should be in it's active growth period. The sap issue is another issue. Most, if not all, Ficus will have a white, sticky sap that will leak out if there is a break in the tissue. The photo of the leaf is a bit blurry, but it does not appear to be discolored, as if there were sap-sucking insects (scale, mites, etc.) nibbling on it. That said, take another good look, as this is most common. The other thing to consider would be something/someone brushing up against it or strong breezes (check traffic patterns, fans, open windows, etc.) that would cause minor tissue breaks in the leaves...less common.

 

Thanks for the response. These pics may be a little clearer.

 

If the white waxy spots like the one pictured wipes off easily and they don't feel sticky, it's perfectly normal for this to happen and not a pest problem. Theory is, the waxy spots on the back of the leaves attracts fig wasps that pollinate the tree in nature.

 

Very interesting. Evidently, there are several cultivars of Ficus benjamina, (not all), that exhibit this "wax" or "phenolic" gland at the base of the leaves. My limited search did not mention if there was an interaction between secretion of this "wax" and the fig wasp. However, there is quite a bit of information about the fig wasp and pollination.

In addition, there appears to be several other species of plants that have a similar gland at the base of their leaves. However, I could not find any information on its purpose.

You learn something every day!

 

Groovy. Thanks markinwestmich! I have a cultivar variation without that. I would have sworn he had scale with travel phobia...

 

I knew there was a specific name for this wax glob "phenolic" gland. I just couldn't seem to bring it up from the memory bank!

 

Thank you all so much.....This is great news !! As these pics show, it is a thriving, healthy Ficus.

Thanks again for your research!!