What's eating my begonia 'nonstop joy white'?

Tuberous begonias like 'Nonstop Joy White' are targeted by vine weevils underground, aphids on soft new growth, and slugs and snails at soil level. Outdoors, caterpillars may notch petals. Vine weevil is the most destructive threat — larvae silently destroy roots before any above-ground symptom appears.

Plants wilt and collapse despite adequate water; C-shaped creamy larvae found in compost eating roots and tubers Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer when soil is warm; use vine weevil killer compost at potting time; check tubers at season end

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on shoot tips and buds; sticky honeydew, distorted growth, weakened flowers Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings in the garden

Irregular holes chewed in leaves and petals, silvery slime trails, worst at night or after rain Use iron phosphate pellets or copper tape around pots; hand-pick at dusk; set beer traps at soil level

Notched or ragged petal and leaf edges; frass (droppings) visible near feeding sites Hand-pick caterpillars and eggs; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for heavier infestations; cover plants with fine mesh netting