Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'silver jewel'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy colonies at stem bases and leaf junctions; honeydew leads to sooty mold and leaf drop.
Control: Dab with alcohol-soaked swab; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 4 weeks.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale bronze stippling clearly visible on silver leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides in dry air.
Control: Mist regularly to raise humidity; wipe leaves; apply neem oil or miticide spray; repeat every 4–5 days.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in overwatered compost; adults fly when pot is disturbed.
Control: Water less frequently; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench to kill larvae.
Keep begonia 'silver jewel' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Silver Jewel' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'silver jewel'?
Begonia rex 'Silver Jewel' is an indoor houseplant most commonly attacked by mealybugs and spider mites. The light silver foliage makes stippling damage from mites relatively visible. Mealybugs colonize petioles and crown quickly. Maintain good air circulation and avoid overwatering to reduce fungus gnat pressure in the compost.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'silver jewel'?
White waxy colonies at stem bases and leaf junctions; honeydew leads to sooty mold and leaf drop. Dab with alcohol-soaked swab; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 4 weeks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'silver jewel'?
Pale bronze stippling clearly visible on silver leaf surface; fine webbing on undersides in dry air. Mist regularly to raise humidity; wipe leaves; apply neem oil or miticide spray; repeat every 4–5 days.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'silver jewel'?
Larvae feed on roots in overwatered compost; adults fly when pot is disturbed. Water less frequently; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench to kill larvae.