What's eating my begonia 'irene nuss'?

Begonia 'Irene Nuss', a tall-cane angel-wing begonia prized for its dramatic spotted leaves and coral flower clusters, is most vulnerable to mealybugs nesting in its long cane nodes. Spider mites and thrips also target the large ornamental leaves. Tall specimens need systematic inspection — start at the base where mealybugs often establish first.

White cottony masses in cane joints and axils; honeydew attracts sooty mold; leaves yellow Dab with alcohol swab; spray thoroughly with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate and repeat weekly

Pale stippling and dull coloration on upper leaf surfaces; webbing in dry indoor air Rinse canes and leaves with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain humidity above 50%

Silver-grey scarring across the decorative leaf surface; tiny dark frass; distorted new growth Blue sticky traps; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days; remove heavily damaged leaves