What's eating my begonia ferox?

Begonia ferox is a striking collector houseplant from Guangxi, China, grown in humid indoor conditions. Its main pest threats are mealybugs sheltering beneath the distinctive bullate leaf surface, fungus gnats in moist substrate, and spider mites if humidity falls. The textured surface can hide colonies until damage is advanced.

White waxy fluff concealed beneath the bumpy leaf surface and in stem joints; yellowing and wilting. Inspect undersides carefully with a magnifier; treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs and follow with neem oil spray.

Root damage in damp, peaty mix; adult gnats flying around the plant signal larval presence. Reduce watering frequency; drench with Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis); place sticky traps at soil level.

Tiny yellow speckling on upper leaf surfaces; webbing under leaves in low-humidity conditions. Increase ambient humidity; shower the plant to dislodge mites; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.