Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'river nile'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cotton-like white deposits at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing leaves
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate from other plants
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may yellow and drop
Control: Boost humidity; rinse plant in shower; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on fine roots in wet compost; adults hover around soil surface
Control: Let compost surface dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench with Bti solution to kill larvae
Keep begonia 'river nile' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'River Nile' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'river nile'?
Begonia 'River Nile', grown as a houseplant, faces the standard indoor begonia pests. Mealybugs are the primary threat, especially along stems and leaf joints. Spider mites can explode in dry, centrally heated rooms. Maintaining moderate humidity, good airflow, and monthly inspection keeps most pest pressure manageable.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'river nile'?
Cotton-like white deposits at stem nodes and leaf axils; sticky honeydew; yellowing leaves Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'river nile'?
Bronze stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may yellow and drop Boost humidity; rinse plant in shower; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'river nile'?
Larvae feed on fine roots in wet compost; adults hover around soil surface Let compost surface dry between waterings; use sticky yellow traps; drench with Bti solution to kill larvae