Pest identification
What's eating my begonia aconitifolia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters at stem joints and leaf axils on cane stems; honeydew and sooty mold; leaf drop and bud abort
Control: Dab with alcohol swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap over entire plant; repeat weekly; isolate immediately
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, pale upper leaf surface; fine webbing at growing tips; leaves dry out and fall prematurely
Control: Mist leaves and raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide spray; treat undersides thoroughly; repeat every 5–7 days
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects on new shoot tips and around flower buds; leaf curl; sticky honeydew on leaves below
Control: Wash off with water; apply insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested growing tips; check new growth every few days
Keep begonia aconitifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia aconitifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia aconitifolia?
Begonia aconitifolia is a cane-type houseplant with large, lobed leaves most threatened by mealybugs hiding in stem nodes. Spider mites colonise leaves in dry indoor air. Aphids target new shoots and flower buds. Fungus gnats can attack roots in overly wet potting mix. Regular inspection of stems and leaf undersides is essential.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia aconitifolia?
White cottony clusters at stem joints and leaf axils on cane stems; honeydew and sooty mold; leaf drop and bud abort Dab with alcohol swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap over entire plant; repeat weekly; isolate immediately
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia aconitifolia?
Stippled, pale upper leaf surface; fine webbing at growing tips; leaves dry out and fall prematurely Mist leaves and raise humidity; apply neem oil or miticide spray; treat undersides thoroughly; repeat every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of aphids on begonia aconitifolia?
Soft-bodied insects on new shoot tips and around flower buds; leaf curl; sticky honeydew on leaves below Wash off with water; apply insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested growing tips; check new growth every few days