I have a recurring condition that effects my flowering maple & coleus. The plant becomes sticky & developes small scablike things oval in shape on the stems. They are brown & can be wiped off. They have a crusty outer layer & a brownish red smear when rubbed on to a tissue. The plant eventually wilts & dies if I don't continually clean it.
Spray during crawler stage is usual recommendation for various scale insects. Try searching something like lecanium control.
Thank you so much, I've been struggling with this beast for years now & lost a few plants as a result. I run a horticulture therapy program & my patients love the flowering maple as it is almost tree like now with beautiful peach blossoms. We will try your suggestions
