Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'harmony's red robin'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white deposits along leaf veins and in petiole joints; yellowing foliage; sooty mold on honeydew
Control: Treat with alcohol swab followed by neem oil spray; repeat weekly; isolate plant from neighbours immediately
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae; plants wilt even when watered; adult flies hovering at soil surface
Control: Water less frequently; drench with Bti (e.g., Gnatrol or Mosquito Bits solution); catch adults with yellow sticky traps
Thrips
Signs: Silvery, scraped streaks and deformities on the decorative leaf surface; dark frass specks visible under magnification
Control: Remove damaged leaves; spray spinosad or neem oil on leaf tops and undersides; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep begonia 'harmony's red robin' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats rex begonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common begonia 'harmony's red robin' problems & fixes
- Begonia 'Harmony's Red Robin' watering schedule
- Begonia 'Harmony's Red Robin' light requirements
- Full begonia 'harmony's red robin' care guide
Begonia 'Harmony's Red Robin' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'harmony's red robin'?
Begonia rex-cultorum 'Harmony's Red Robin' is a velvety-leaved indoor begonia most susceptible to mealybugs hiding in its leaf creases. Fungus gnats attack roots in overly wet soil. Thrips scar the decorative foliage. Keeping the plant in a bright, well-ventilated spot and watering only when the soil surface dries are the best preventive measures.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'harmony's red robin'?
Fluffy white deposits along leaf veins and in petiole joints; yellowing foliage; sooty mold on honeydew Treat with alcohol swab followed by neem oil spray; repeat weekly; isolate plant from neighbours immediately
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'harmony's red robin'?
Root damage from larvae; plants wilt even when watered; adult flies hovering at soil surface Water less frequently; drench with Bti (e.g., Gnatrol or Mosquito Bits solution); catch adults with yellow sticky traps
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'harmony's red robin'?
Silvery, scraped streaks and deformities on the decorative leaf surface; dark frass specks visible under magnification Remove damaged leaves; spray spinosad or neem oil on leaf tops and undersides; repeat every 5–7 days