What's eating my begonia 'maori haze'?

Begonia rex 'Maori Haze' is most damaged by mealybugs, which thrive in the hairy leaf texture. Vine weevil larvae devour the rhizome. Thrips scar the decorative foliage. Powdery mildew — though a disease, not a pest — frequently attacks rex begonias in still air. Good ventilation is the first line of defence.

White cottony masses along leaf veins and in stem joints; honeydew attracts mould; leaf edges yellow and curl Dab with alcohol swab; spray neem oil covering undersides and crevices; isolate plant; repeat every 7–10 days

Sudden collapse of plant; rhizome found eaten or partially destroyed when unpotted; notched leaf margins from adults Unpot in autumn; remove cream grubs; treat with beneficial nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) in spring and autumn

Silver streaks and distorted markings on the patterned leaves; black frass specs; new leaves emerge crinkled Remove infested leaves; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; use blue sticky traps; quarantine from other begonias