Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'fragrant beauty'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy colonies in leaf axils and at stem bases; honeydew deposits lead to sooty mould.
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly for four weeks and isolate from other plants.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae causes wilting and yellowing; adults swarm around the soil surface.
Control: Allow potting mix to partially dry between waterings; apply a Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) soil drench; use yellow sticky traps.
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth and flower buds, causing curling and distortion.
Control: Knock off with a stream of water; apply insecticidal soap spray every four to five days until the infestation clears.
Keep begonia 'fragrant beauty' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Fragrant Beauty' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'fragrant beauty'?
Begonia odorata 'Fragrant Beauty' is an indoor flowering begonia chiefly threatened by mealybugs and fungus gnats. Its moist potting conditions favour fungus gnat larvae, while mealybugs exploit the dense fragrant foliage. Inspect leaf axils at every watering and let the top layer of compost dry between waterings.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'fragrant beauty'?
White fluffy colonies in leaf axils and at stem bases; honeydew deposits lead to sooty mould. Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil weekly for four weeks and isolate from other plants.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'fragrant beauty'?
Root damage from larvae causes wilting and yellowing; adults swarm around the soil surface. Allow potting mix to partially dry between waterings; apply a Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) soil drench; use yellow sticky traps.
How do I get rid of aphids on begonia 'fragrant beauty'?
Soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth and flower buds, causing curling and distortion. Knock off with a stream of water; apply insecticidal soap spray every four to five days until the infestation clears.