What's eating my begonia 'tiny gem'?

Begonia 'Tiny Gem' is a compact indoor begonia whose small size makes pest damage especially impactful. Mealybugs are the most common threat, quickly overwhelming a small plant if unchecked. Check stem joints with a magnifying glass weekly and treat at first sign; early intervention is critical on miniature cultivars.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils; honeydew coating; stunted or distorted new growth on a plant with little reserve. Dab each colony with a cotton swab and 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat every 7 days.

Tiny pale dots on leaves; webbing on undersides; compact foliage turns dull and may wither rapidly. Raise humidity; rinse foliage under a gentle tap; treat with insecticidal soap weekly until no new damage is seen.

Larvae in soggy soil attack shallow roots; adult gnats cluster near pot surface. Water less frequently; add a layer of horticultural grit to the soil surface; drench soil with a Bti solution.