Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'norah bedson'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Woolly white clusters on stems and under leaves; honeydew; growth slows and leaves yellow
Control: Alcohol swabs for direct removal; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Whitefly
Signs: Tiny white adults flutter up when plant is disturbed; yellowing, sticky leaves beneath
Control: Sticky yellow traps; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap every 4 days; remove lower yellowed leaves
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and webbing on undersides of wing-shaped leaves; foliage looks dusty and tired
Control: Raise humidity; wash undersides; apply neem oil and repeat at 7-day intervals for three cycles
Keep begonia 'norah bedson' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Norah Bedson' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'norah bedson'?
Begonia 'Norah Bedson' is an angel-wing cane begonia that thrives indoors but attracts mealybugs and whitefly, particularly under the large wing-shaped leaves. Spider mites can flare in dry conditions. Keeping leaves clean, humidity adequate, and checking undersides regularly are the best preventive measures.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'norah bedson'?
Woolly white clusters on stems and under leaves; honeydew; growth slows and leaves yellow Alcohol swabs for direct removal; follow with neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of whitefly on begonia 'norah bedson'?
Tiny white adults flutter up when plant is disturbed; yellowing, sticky leaves beneath Sticky yellow traps; spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap every 4 days; remove lower yellowed leaves
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'norah bedson'?
Pale stippling and webbing on undersides of wing-shaped leaves; foliage looks dusty and tired Raise humidity; wash undersides; apply neem oil and repeat at 7-day intervals for three cycles