What's eating my rex begonia?

Rex begonias are prime targets for mealybugs and powdery mildew (a fungal pest), but they also attract thrips and whitefly. The large, textured leaves trap moisture and provide hiding spots. Mealybugs are the most damaging insect pest. Good air circulation, avoiding wetting leaves, and regular inspection keep these dramatic houseplants healthy.

White waxy clusters in leaf axils, along petioles, and in the crown; leaves yellow and wilt; plant overall looks weak and sticky. Apply isopropyl alcohol with cotton swabs on colonies; spray the full plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days; check the crown closely.

Silver-brown streaks and stippling across leaf surfaces; distorted new leaves; tiny dark frass visible under magnification. Remove and bag heavily affected leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; use blue sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult numbers.

Tiny white flies erupt from leaves when disturbed; sticky honeydew and sooty mold; leaves yellow and may drop. Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to leaf undersides where eggs cluster; repeat every 5–7 days.

Larvae damage shallow roots in moist soil; leaves may wilt or pale despite adequate watering; adults are a nuisance around the pot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use yellow sticky traps to reduce adult populations.