Pest identification
What's eating my begonia amphioxus?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; honeydew leads to mold on spotty foliage
Control: Remove with alcohol swab; isolate the plant and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on the undersides of thin leaves, especially in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity, shower the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage shallow roots; adults hover around the peat-heavy mix typical for this species
Control: Let the surface dry more between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and Bti soil drench
Keep begonia amphioxus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia Amphioxus pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia amphioxus?
Begonia amphioxus is a delicate spotted cane begonia kept indoors. Its thin leaves make damage from sap-sucking pests immediately visible. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most consistent threats. Powdery mildew can also appear if air circulation is poor, though that is a disease rather than a pest.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia amphioxus?
Cottony white clusters at stem nodes and leaf axils; honeydew leads to mold on spotty foliage Remove with alcohol swab; isolate the plant and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia amphioxus?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on the undersides of thin leaves, especially in dry conditions Increase humidity, shower the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia amphioxus?
Larvae damage shallow roots; adults hover around the peat-heavy mix typical for this species Let the surface dry more between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and Bti soil drench