The message
from "datsy" contains these words:

I've got a number of Scheffleras and they all exude some sticky stuff which
ends up on the carpet around the pot.

Well, mine never have. I suspect yours may have an insect
infestation, aphids and whitefly often exude sticky stuff. Search under
the leaves, and in the nodules where leaves join the trunk. An
indoor-plant insecticide spray will get rid of them, be sure to spray
the soil surface too.

Janet.