Pest identification
What's eating my beefsteak begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fuzzy deposits on red-tinged leaf undersides and along stems; honeydew and sooty mold
Control: Swab with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil spray covering undersides; repeat weekly
Scale insects
Signs: Flat brown or waxy bumps on petioles and stems; yellowing above the infestation; sticky residue
Control: Scrape off with soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray; monitor for new crawlers
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew fine roots causing wilting; adults visible at soil surface
Control: Allow soil to partially dry between waterings; use Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps
Keep beefsteak begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Beefsteak Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my beefsteak begonia?
Beefsteak Begonia's thick waxy leaves are reasonably resistant to pests, but mealybugs and scale insects settle along the prominent red leaf undersides. Whiteflies are an occasional nuisance. Fungus gnats can trouble the roots if the mix stays too wet. Wipe the distinctive burgundy leaf backs during routine care to spot problems early.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on beefsteak begonia?
White fuzzy deposits on red-tinged leaf undersides and along stems; honeydew and sooty mold Swab with rubbing alcohol; treat with neem oil spray covering undersides; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of scale insects on beefsteak begonia?
Flat brown or waxy bumps on petioles and stems; yellowing above the infestation; sticky residue Scrape off with soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray; monitor for new crawlers
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on beefsteak begonia?
Larvae chew fine roots causing wilting; adults visible at soil surface Allow soil to partially dry between waterings; use Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps