Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'curly fireflush'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy fluff embedded in curled leaf margins, axils, and petiole bases; honeydew and wilting
Control: Use a fine-tipped alcohol swab to reach into curled margins; follow with neem oil spray and repeat every 7 days
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull foliage; fine webbing in leaf curls; premature leaf drop in heavy infestations
Control: Raise humidity; spray insecticidal soap into leaf folds; repeat every 5 days for three treatments
Thrips
Signs: Silver-scarred or streaked leaf surfaces between veins; distorted new leaves
Control: Remove badly affected leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil; sticky traps help monitor adults
Keep begonia 'curly fireflush' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Curly Fireflush' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'curly fireflush'?
Begonia 'Curly Fireflush', a rex-type with highly textured, curled foliage, gives mealybugs and spider mites excellent hiding spots. The crimped leaves trap humidity pockets that can encourage botrytis. Mealybugs nesting deep in the curled leaf margins are the most persistent indoor pest; regular inspection is essential.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'curly fireflush'?
White waxy fluff embedded in curled leaf margins, axils, and petiole bases; honeydew and wilting Use a fine-tipped alcohol swab to reach into curled margins; follow with neem oil spray and repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'curly fireflush'?
Stippled, dull foliage; fine webbing in leaf curls; premature leaf drop in heavy infestations Raise humidity; spray insecticidal soap into leaf folds; repeat every 5 days for three treatments
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'curly fireflush'?
Silver-scarred or streaked leaf surfaces between veins; distorted new leaves Remove badly affected leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil; sticky traps help monitor adults