Pest identification
What's eating my begonia albopicta?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white deposits at nodes; honeydew leads to sticky leaves and sooty mold
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; isolate from other plants
Whitefly
Signs: Clouds of tiny white flies rise when plant is disturbed; leaves yellow and weaken
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based spray; repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze stippling across leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides in low-humidity conditions
Control: Shower plant under lukewarm water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Keep begonia albopicta pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia albopicta pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia albopicta?
Begonia albopicta (Guinea-wing begonia), a cane-type houseplant, is most plagued by mealybugs and whitefly, both attracted to its lush stems. Spider mites can colonise the silvery-spotted leaves in dry conditions. The upright, branching growth creates sheltered spots where pests hide — check weekly along stems and under leaves.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia albopicta?
Fluffy white deposits at nodes; honeydew leads to sticky leaves and sooty mold Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of whitefly on begonia albopicta?
Clouds of tiny white flies rise when plant is disturbed; leaves yellow and weaken Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin-based spray; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia albopicta?
Bronze stippling across leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides in low-humidity conditions Shower plant under lukewarm water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days