Pest identification
What's eating my sun-changing begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits at rhizome nodes and petiole bases; stunted new leaves and honeydew
Control: Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution reaching rhizome surface; repeat weekly
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling across the colour-changing leaf surface; webbing on undersides in low humidity
Control: Raise humidity, rinse foliage, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 7-day cycle
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage fibrous roots of rhizomatous base; adults hover around the moist growing medium
Control: Let top inch of mix dry before watering; use yellow traps and apply a Bti soil drench
Keep sun-changing begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Sun-Changing Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my sun-changing begonia?
Begonia solimutata (Sun-Changing Begonia) is a Brazilian rhizomatous species valued for leaves that shift colour in varying light. Grown indoors, it shares the standard begonia pest profile — mealybugs at rhizome nodes and moist-mix fungus gnats are the main threats. Its succulent-textured leaves are also attractive to spider mites in dry air.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on sun-changing begonia?
Cottony white deposits at rhizome nodes and petiole bases; stunted new leaves and honeydew Spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution reaching rhizome surface; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of spider mites on sun-changing begonia?
Pale speckling across the colour-changing leaf surface; webbing on undersides in low humidity Raise humidity, rinse foliage, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 7-day cycle
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on sun-changing begonia?
Larvae damage fibrous roots of rhizomatous base; adults hover around the moist growing medium Let top inch of mix dry before watering; use yellow traps and apply a Bti soil drench