Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'torch'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Waxy white tufts at cane nodes and leaf axils; sticky residue; yellowing foliage
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray neem oil across all surfaces; repeat weekly until clear
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze, stippled leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in low-humidity conditions
Control: Shower the plant down; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; raise room humidity
Thrips
Signs: Silver streaks and scarring on leaves; tiny insects visible under magnification; distorted buds
Control: Blue sticky traps; spinosad or insecticidal soap spray on foliage and growing tips; repeat weekly
Keep begonia 'torch' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Torch' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'torch'?
Begonia 'Torch', an angel-wing cane begonia with vivid coral flower clusters, is most threatened by mealybugs at stem nodes and spider mites in dry interiors. Thrips occasionally scar the glossy leaves. Its vigorous upright canes need weekly inspection from base to tip — mealybug colonies grow fast and are easiest treated when small.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'torch'?
Waxy white tufts at cane nodes and leaf axils; sticky residue; yellowing foliage Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray neem oil across all surfaces; repeat weekly until clear
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'torch'?
Bronze, stippled leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in low-humidity conditions Shower the plant down; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days; raise room humidity
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'torch'?
Silver streaks and scarring on leaves; tiny insects visible under magnification; distorted buds Blue sticky traps; spinosad or insecticidal soap spray on foliage and growing tips; repeat weekly