Troubleshooting
Wax-Leaf Begonia problems — and how to fix them
Wax-Leaf Begonia (Begonia cucullata) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Botrytis (grey mould)
Grey fuzzy mould on stems and flowers develops in cool, damp, low-airflow conditions; remove affected tissue promptly, improve ventilation, and avoid overhead watering.
Vine weevil larvae
The grub stage feeds on fibrous roots, causing sudden wilting; check rootballs when repotting and use a biological nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer in the UK.
Prevent wax-leaf begonia problems before they start
Most wax-leaf begonia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Wax-Leaf Begonia problems — FAQ
Why is my wax-leaf begonia botrytis (grey mould)?
Grey fuzzy mould on stems and flowers develops in cool, damp, low-airflow conditions; remove affected tissue promptly, improve ventilation, and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my wax-leaf begonia vine weevil larvae?
The grub stage feeds on fibrous roots, causing sudden wilting; check rootballs when repotting and use a biological nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer in the UK.