Pest identification
What's eating my begonia u-377?
Spider mites
Signs: Stippled, dull leaf surfaces and faint webbing on undersides; worse in low humidity
Control: Maintain high humidity (above 60%); spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days; remove heavily infested leaves
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy residue along prominent veins and at petiole junctions
Control: Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray and keep plant isolated until clear
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae damage shallow roots in humid growing medium; adults cluster at soil surface
Control: Use a well-draining mix; allow surface to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bti drench or use yellow sticky traps
Keep begonia u-377 pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia U-377 pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia u-377?
Begonia rajah (U-377) is a rare tropical species grown as a houseplant in humid conditions. Spider mites are the most likely pest in drier indoor environments. Mealybugs can shelter in its prominent leaf ribs. Fungus gnats attack the moist, well-draining substrate this species requires. Scale insects occasionally colonise stems.
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia u-377?
Stippled, dull leaf surfaces and faint webbing on undersides; worse in low humidity Maintain high humidity (above 60%); spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days; remove heavily infested leaves
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia u-377?
White waxy residue along prominent veins and at petiole junctions Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray and keep plant isolated until clear
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia u-377?
Larvae damage shallow roots in humid growing medium; adults cluster at soil surface Use a well-draining mix; allow surface to dry slightly between waterings; apply Bti drench or use yellow sticky traps