Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'joe hayden'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at leaf axils, stem crevices, and along veins; wilting and sticky residue
Control: Swab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Stippling and slight bronzing on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible on underside in heavier infestations
Control: Rinse foliage, raise humidity, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats hovering around soil; larvae feed on fine roots, causing wilting in young or smaller plants
Control: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench to kill larvae
Keep begonia 'joe hayden' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Joe Hayden' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'joe hayden'?
Begonia 'Joe Hayden', a dark-leafed rhizomatous-type houseplant, is most vulnerable to mealybugs, which hide well against its deep foliage. Spider mites and fungus gnats round out the common threats. Keep soil from staying waterlogged to deter gnats, and inspect stems closely for mealybug cottony clusters.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'joe hayden'?
Cottony white clusters at leaf axils, stem crevices, and along veins; wilting and sticky residue Swab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'joe hayden'?
Stippling and slight bronzing on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible on underside in heavier infestations Rinse foliage, raise humidity, and spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap on a weekly schedule
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'joe hayden'?
Adult gnats hovering around soil; larvae feed on fine roots, causing wilting in young or smaller plants Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench to kill larvae