Pest identification
What's eating my palm leaf begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in leaflet axils and along the central leaf stalk; sticky leaves and sooty mold
Control: Swab every leaflet joint with isopropyl alcohol; spray dilute neem oil solution over all surfaces; repeat every 7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan fixed bumps on cane stems and leaf midribs; yellowing and weakened growth
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray; monitor monthly
Whitefly
Signs: White insects fly off when foliage is disturbed; yellow speckled leaflets; honeydew on lower leaves
Control: Yellow sticky traps; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on new shoot tips; curling and distortion of unfurling leaflets; sticky residue
Control: Blast off with water jet; apply insecticidal soap; repeat as needed; check new growth at each watering
Keep palm leaf begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Palm Leaf Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my palm leaf begonia?
Palm Leaf Begonia's large, palm-like compound leaves are most commonly attacked by mealybugs clustering in the leaflet joints, and whitefly on large, established specimens. Its tall cane-like stems also harbor scale. Outdoors in summer, aphids colonize new growth and thrips scar the dramatic foliage. Regular inspection of the multiple leaflets is essential given the leaf complexity.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on palm leaf begonia?
White cottony deposits in leaflet axils and along the central leaf stalk; sticky leaves and sooty mold Swab every leaflet joint with isopropyl alcohol; spray dilute neem oil solution over all surfaces; repeat every 7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on palm leaf begonia?
Brown or tan fixed bumps on cane stems and leaf midribs; yellowing and weakened growth Scrape off with a soft brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray; monitor monthly
How do I get rid of whitefly on palm leaf begonia?
White insects fly off when foliage is disturbed; yellow speckled leaflets; honeydew on lower leaves Yellow sticky traps; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap every 5 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on palm leaf begonia?
Soft colonies on new shoot tips; curling and distortion of unfurling leaflets; sticky residue Blast off with water jet; apply insecticidal soap; repeat as needed; check new growth at each watering