Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'tom ment'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy deposits hidden under hairy leaf surfaces and in stem axils; honeydew and sooty mould follow.
Control: Use a fine-tipped cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat entire plant with diluted neem oil every seven days for four weeks.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on upper leaf surfaces; webbing may be difficult to see on textured foliage.
Control: Rinse foliage gently with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap spray every five days and keep humidity above 50%.
Thrips
Signs: Silver-streaked scarring on leaf surfaces; distorted new growth and bronzed flower buds.
Control: Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray and deploy yellow sticky traps indoors.
Keep begonia 'tom ment' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Tom Ment' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'tom ment'?
Begonia 'Tom Ment', a cane-type houseplant with striking foliage, is most often attacked by mealybugs and spider mites. Its textured, hairy leaves can make mealybugs harder to spot. Inspect the undersides and axils under good light monthly, and act immediately at first sign to prevent colony spread.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'tom ment'?
White waxy deposits hidden under hairy leaf surfaces and in stem axils; honeydew and sooty mould follow. Use a fine-tipped cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat entire plant with diluted neem oil every seven days for four weeks.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'tom ment'?
Fine pale stippling on upper leaf surfaces; webbing may be difficult to see on textured foliage. Rinse foliage gently with lukewarm water; apply insecticidal soap spray every five days and keep humidity above 50%.
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'tom ment'?
Silver-streaked scarring on leaf surfaces; distorted new growth and bronzed flower buds. Remove and dispose of badly affected leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray and deploy yellow sticky traps indoors.