What's eating my begonia manicata?

Begonia manicata, the eyelash begonia, is a rhizomatous houseplant most commonly affected by mealybugs, which shelter in the distinctive fringed collar-like petiole scales. Spider mites and fungus gnats also occur. The textured petioles demand close-up monthly inspections since pests can easily hide in the unique feathery fringe.

White cottony masses nestled in the distinctive fringe (mane) of petiole scales and at leaf axils. Carefully work isopropyl alcohol-soaked swabs into the fringed scales; apply neem oil spray to the whole plant weekly for four weeks.

Pale stippling on glossy leaves; fine webbing on leaf undersides most visible in dry indoor air. Wipe leaf undersides with a damp cloth; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every five to seven days and raise humidity.

Larvae damage rhizomes and fine feeder roots, causing yellowing and wilting despite correct watering. Let compost surface dry before re-watering; apply a Bti drench and use yellow sticky traps at soil level.