What's eating my begonia 'lana'?

Begonia 'Lana' is a compact indoor begonia vulnerable to mealybugs and powdery mildew alongside typical houseplant pests. Its dense foliage creates humid micro-pockets that mealybugs exploit. Inspect leaf joints weekly, ensure good air circulation, and avoid wetting foliage when watering to keep this cultivar healthy.

White waxy deposits in leaf axils and along stems; plant becomes sticky from honeydew secretion and may develop sooty mold. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for spot removal; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7–10 days.

Pale stippling across leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible when infestation is heavy; leaves yellow and drop prematurely. Raise humidity; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray repeatedly on a weekly schedule.

Root damage from larvae in overwatered soil; adult gnats swarm around the plant and soil surface. Let compost surface dry before re-watering; use yellow sticky traps; treat soil with Bti drench.