Pest identification
What's eating my begonia convolvulacea?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white waxy deposits at every stem node and leaf junction; slow growth and sticky honeydew
Control: Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a thorough neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Stippling and slight bronzing across leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in heavier infestations
Control: Raise humidity, shower the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until mites are gone
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft bumps along stems; yellowing of leaves; sticky residue that encourages sooty mold
Control: Scrub scales off with a soft brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat in 2–3 weeks
Keep begonia convolvulacea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia convolvulacea pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia convolvulacea?
Begonia convolvulacea, a vigorous tropical climbing begonia, is most vulnerable to mealybugs along its sprawling stems and to spider mites on its large leaves. Its rapid growth gives pests many hidden stem nodes to colonise. Check new growth and stem joints monthly; treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia convolvulacea?
Fluffy white waxy deposits at every stem node and leaf junction; slow growth and sticky honeydew Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a thorough neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia convolvulacea?
Stippling and slight bronzing across leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in heavier infestations Raise humidity, shower the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until mites are gone
How do I get rid of scale insects on begonia convolvulacea?
Hard or soft bumps along stems; yellowing of leaves; sticky residue that encourages sooty mold Scrub scales off with a soft brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil and repeat in 2–3 weeks