Pest identification
What's eating my eyelash begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff tucked in leaf axils and under eyelash margins; yellowing and small leaf drop
Control: Carefully dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil solution avoiding saturating hairy leaves; repeat weekly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae chew fine roots causing sudden yellowing; adults hovering at soil surface
Control: Let topsoil dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps near the plant
Spider mites
Signs: Pale bronze stippling on leaves; webbing between the characteristic eyelash hairs in severe cases
Control: Raise humidity; wipe leaf surfaces gently; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until clear
Keep eyelash begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Eyelash Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my eyelash begonia?
Eyelash Begonia's small, hairy-edged leaves and compact form make it vulnerable to mealybugs hiding in the dense foliage. Fungus gnats are a persistent issue if the peaty mix stays wet. The leaf hairs trap moisture which can encourage botrytis rather than pests, so airflow is key. Spider mites attack in dry, warm rooms during winter.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on eyelash begonia?
White fluff tucked in leaf axils and under eyelash margins; yellowing and small leaf drop Carefully dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray neem oil solution avoiding saturating hairy leaves; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on eyelash begonia?
Larvae chew fine roots causing sudden yellowing; adults hovering at soil surface Let topsoil dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; set yellow sticky traps near the plant
How do I get rid of spider mites on eyelash begonia?
Pale bronze stippling on leaves; webbing between the characteristic eyelash hairs in severe cases Raise humidity; wipe leaf surfaces gently; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil weekly until clear