Pest identification
What's eating my begonia stipulacea?
Mealybugs
Signs: White flocculent masses at stem joints and axils; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on leaves
Control: Manual removal with isopropyl alcohol on cotton bud; neem oil spray weekly; isolate from other plants
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling and bronzing of leaves; webbing on undersides especially in heated dry rooms
Control: Rinse plant thoroughly; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days; keep humidity above 45%
Whitefly
Signs: Tiny white insects on leaf undersides; leaves yellow and may drop; honeydew residue
Control: Yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap or pyrethrin on leaf undersides; repeat every 4–5 days
Keep begonia stipulacea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia stipulacea pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia stipulacea?
Begonia stipulacea, a shrubby cane-type houseplant, faces the standard indoor begonia pest lineup: mealybugs sheltering at stem nodes, spider mites in low humidity, and whitefly on the leaf undersides. Its branching, leafy habit creates numerous hiding spots. Check nodes carefully when watering and ensure good airflow between stems.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia stipulacea?
White flocculent masses at stem joints and axils; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on leaves Manual removal with isopropyl alcohol on cotton bud; neem oil spray weekly; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia stipulacea?
Fine stippling and bronzing of leaves; webbing on undersides especially in heated dry rooms Rinse plant thoroughly; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days; keep humidity above 45%
How do I get rid of whitefly on begonia stipulacea?
Tiny white insects on leaf undersides; leaves yellow and may drop; honeydew residue Yellow sticky traps; spray insecticidal soap or pyrethrin on leaf undersides; repeat every 4–5 days