Pest identification
What's eating my begonia heracleifolia?
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white colonies along the rhizome and in leaf-stem junctions; leaves yellow and growth stalls.
Control: Swab visible bugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks.
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze stippling across large leaf surfaces; fine webs on undersides in warm, dry indoor air.
Control: Improve humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; spray neem oil weekly, paying attention to leaf undersides.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Root damage from larvae in moist compost; adults flutter around the plant.
Control: Reduce watering frequency; top-dress with grit; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis as a soil drench.
Keep begonia heracleifolia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia heracleifolia pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia heracleifolia?
Begonia heracleifolia, a large-leafed rhizomatous houseplant, is primarily threatened by mealybugs hiding in the hairy undersides and rhizome creases. Spider mites can establish on the broad leaf surfaces in low-humidity homes. Its size means infestations can spread undetected — check the rhizome and leaf undersides whenever you water.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia heracleifolia?
Waxy white colonies along the rhizome and in leaf-stem junctions; leaves yellow and growth stalls. Swab visible bugs with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 weeks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia heracleifolia?
Bronze stippling across large leaf surfaces; fine webs on undersides in warm, dry indoor air. Improve humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier; spray neem oil weekly, paying attention to leaf undersides.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia heracleifolia?
Root damage from larvae in moist compost; adults flutter around the plant. Reduce watering frequency; top-dress with grit; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis as a soil drench.