What's eating my begonia pavonina?

Begonia pavonina, the peacock begonia, is a humidity-loving tropical houseplant susceptible to common indoor pests, particularly spider mites in dry conditions. Its iridescent leaves can be disfigured quickly by sap-suckers. Maintain high humidity and inspect leaf undersides weekly to catch problems early.

Tiny pale flecks and fine webbing on leaf undersides; iridescent blue sheen dulls as cells are destroyed. Mist leaves regularly to boost humidity; rinse with a fine water spray; treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil every 7 days for 3–4 cycles.

Cottony white wax at leaf axils and petiole bases; honeydew leads to sooty mold on the distinctive leaves. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; follow up with neem oil spray; repeat weekly until no new bugs appear.

Larvae damage fine roots in the moist, humus-rich substrate this species prefers; adults emerge from soil. Reduce watering frequency; top-dress with a thin layer of coarse sand; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis) drench to kill larvae.