Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'braveheart'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses nestled in the textured leaf surfaces and petiole bases; honeydew residue
Control: Dab individually with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray neem oil focusing on leaf undersides; repeat weekly
Thrips
Signs: Silvery, scarred patches on the decorative leaf; black frass dots; distorted new leaves
Control: Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; use blue sticky traps
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats at soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth
Control: Allow surface soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use sticky yellow traps near soil level
Keep begonia 'braveheart' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Braveheart' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'braveheart'?
Begonia rex-cultorum 'Braveheart', a rex begonia, is vulnerable to mealybugs in its textured leaf folds, thrips that scar the ornamental foliage, and fungus gnats in overly wet peat-based mixes. Rex begonias dislike wet leaves, so avoid misting — increase humidity via a pebble tray to deter spider mites without promoting rot.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'braveheart'?
White cottony masses nestled in the textured leaf surfaces and petiole bases; honeydew residue Dab individually with an alcohol-tipped swab; spray neem oil focusing on leaf undersides; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'braveheart'?
Silvery, scarred patches on the decorative leaf; black frass dots; distorted new leaves Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days; use blue sticky traps
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'braveheart'?
Adult gnats at soil surface; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and poor growth Allow surface soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use sticky yellow traps near soil level