Pest identification
What's eating my begonia incarnata?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits at nodes and leaf axils; foliage may yellow and growth stalls.
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray to the whole plant every seven days for four weeks.
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull leaf surfaces and fine webbing, especially in low-humidity indoor environments.
Control: Rinse plant under lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap spray every five to seven days. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems; honeydew leads to sticky surfaces and black sooty mould.
Control: Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; follow with horticultural oil spray to smother remaining crawlers.
Keep begonia incarnata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia incarnata pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia incarnata?
Begonia incarnata (shrub begonia) grown as a houseplant is most commonly troubled by mealybugs, which colonise its lush stems and leaf axils. Spider mites can follow in dry conditions. Quarantining new purchases and wiping stems monthly catches infestations before they spread.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia incarnata?
Cottony white deposits at nodes and leaf axils; foliage may yellow and growth stalls. Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray to the whole plant every seven days for four weeks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia incarnata?
Stippled, dull leaf surfaces and fine webbing, especially in low-humidity indoor environments. Rinse plant under lukewarm water; treat with insecticidal soap spray every five to seven days. Boost humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
How do I get rid of scale insects on begonia incarnata?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems; honeydew leads to sticky surfaces and black sooty mould. Scrape off scale with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; follow with horticultural oil spray to smother remaining crawlers.