What's eating my begonia sutherlandii?

Begonia sutherlandii, a trailing tuberous species grown outdoors or in conservatories, is most troubled by aphids attacking its fine stems and tubular flowers. Vine weevil is a tuber-level threat. Indoors it may pick up spider mites in dry conditions. Aphids are the primary pest across both settings.

Colonies cluster on new shoots and flower stems; sticky honeydew causes sooty mold on the delicate foliage. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until clear; avoid wetting open flowers.

Larvae eat the small tuber, causing the plant to collapse; adults notch leaf margins. Treat container compost with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; inspect tubers when storing over winter.

Pale stippling on leaves and fine webbing on shoot tips, especially in warm, dry conservatories. Increase humidity, mist regularly, and apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat every 4 days for 3 cycles.