Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'wightii'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony wax at stem joints and leaf bases; stunted growth, yellowing, and sticky residue
Control: Spot-treat with rubbing alcohol; spray whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for a month
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling and pale bronzing on leaves; webbing on undersides in moderate to heavy infestations
Control: Increase humidity, rinse foliage, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft brown bumps adhering to stems and leaf midribs; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew
Control: Scrape scales off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil and repeat after 2–3 weeks
Keep begonia 'wightii' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Wightii' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'wightii'?
Begonia 'Wightii', a cane-type or hybrid houseplant, is most frequently attacked by mealybugs along its stems and by spider mites on leaf undersides. Scale insects can also establish on woody cane sections. Good airflow, monthly inspection, and early treatment with neem oil or insecticidal soap keep plants healthy.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'wightii'?
White cottony wax at stem joints and leaf bases; stunted growth, yellowing, and sticky residue Spot-treat with rubbing alcohol; spray whole plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'wightii'?
Fine stippling and pale bronzing on leaves; webbing on undersides in moderate to heavy infestations Increase humidity, rinse foliage, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on begonia 'wightii'?
Hard or soft brown bumps adhering to stems and leaf midribs; yellowing foliage and sticky honeydew Scrape scales off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil or neem oil and repeat after 2–3 weeks