What's eating my begonia sizemoreae?

Begonia sizemoreae is a Southeast Asian rhizomatous species cultivated as a humidity-loving houseplant. Mealybugs are the primary pest risk, concealing themselves along the rhizome and petiole bases. Fungus gnats thrive in its preferred moist compost, and spider mites can appear if the plant is kept too dry.

White waxy colonies along rhizomes and petiole bases; leaves yellow and growth slows noticeably. Wipe rhizomes and stems with isopropyl-alcohol-soaked cotton; follow with weekly neem oil spray for a month.

Root-feeding larvae in wet compost; yellowing and drooping in young plants; adults emerge en masse. Let the top inch of compost dry between waterings; apply Bti drench; use sticky yellow traps.

Fine bronze or yellow stippling on leaf surfaces; mites visible as moving dots on underside. Raise humidity; rinse undersides under a gentle tap; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.