Pest identification
What's eating my begonia prismatocarpa?
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fine roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance; seedlings may damp off.
Control: Allow the top layer of substrate to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps.
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white deposits at leaf joints and stem bases; slow growth and leaf yellowing.
Control: Treat with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; follow up with diluted neem oil spray.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling on tiny leaves; fine webbing if infestation is heavy; leaves curl and drop.
Control: Maintain high terrarium humidity; wipe leaves; use diluted neem oil mist as needed.
Keep begonia prismatocarpa pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia prismatocarpa pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia prismatocarpa?
Begonia prismatocarpa is a small tropical terrarium or windowsill species, so it encounters indoor pests almost exclusively. Fungus gnats are the chief problem due to the consistently moist, humus-rich substrate it prefers. Mealybugs can hide in the dense foliage, and spider mites appear if humidity drops.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia prismatocarpa?
Larvae damage fine roots in moist compost; adults are a nuisance; seedlings may damp off. Allow the top layer of substrate to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench; use yellow sticky traps.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia prismatocarpa?
Fluffy white deposits at leaf joints and stem bases; slow growth and leaf yellowing. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; follow up with diluted neem oil spray.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia prismatocarpa?
Pale stippling on tiny leaves; fine webbing if infestation is heavy; leaves curl and drop. Maintain high terrarium humidity; wipe leaves; use diluted neem oil mist as needed.