Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'orange rubra'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white clusters at cane nodes, leaf axils, and stem bases; wilting and sticky honeydew
Control: Swab individual clusters with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across leaf surface; thin webbing on undersides; overall dulling of foliage colour
Control: Rinse foliage, boost humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown shell-like bumps on cane sections and stems; leaves yellow and drop; sticky surface below
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat repeatedly with horticultural oil
Keep begonia 'orange rubra' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Orange Rubra' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'orange rubra'?
Begonia 'Orange Rubra', a classic angel-wing cane begonia, is most commonly troubled by mealybugs hiding in stem joints, and spider mites on leaf undersides. Scale can colonise the woody cane sections. Regular inspection every 7–10 days and prompt neem oil treatment will protect the attractive spotted foliage and abundant orange flowers.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'orange rubra'?
Cottony white clusters at cane nodes, leaf axils, and stem bases; wilting and sticky honeydew Swab individual clusters with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with neem oil spray weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'orange rubra'?
Pale stippling across leaf surface; thin webbing on undersides; overall dulling of foliage colour Rinse foliage, boost humidity, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on begonia 'orange rubra'?
Brown shell-like bumps on cane sections and stems; leaves yellow and drop; sticky surface below Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat repeatedly with horticultural oil