I've been watching this plant for the entire summer. The black crap has
been there all summer and there has been no scale or mealies. That was the
first thing I thought and I've checked it many times.

As Kenni said it's mostly makes the plant look "dirty" but doesn't seem to
bother the health of the plant.

I'll wipe it off but as the plant grows larger this will be more of a
problem keeping it looking good. What about Physan? Would it hurt if I
sprayed the plant to kill the mold? Is it mold?

Thanks for the replies,
Gene