Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'withlacoochee'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony masses at stem joints and leaf bases; stunted growth and sticky honeydew deposits
Control: Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap and repeat weekly for a month
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may curl or yellow in heavy infestations
Control: Improve humidity, rinse plant thoroughly, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Scale insects
Signs: Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and midribs; yellowing leaves and sticky surfaces below
Control: Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat with horticultural oil and repeat monthly
Keep begonia 'withlacoochee' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Withlacoochee' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'withlacoochee'?
Begonia 'Withlacoochee', grown as a houseplant, is most commonly troubled by mealybugs and spider mites. Both exploit the warm, dry conditions of indoor environments. Regular inspection of leaf undersides and stem joints, combined with prompt neem oil or alcohol treatment, keeps infestations from spreading.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'withlacoochee'?
White cottony masses at stem joints and leaf bases; stunted growth and sticky honeydew deposits Remove with alcohol-dipped swabs; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap and repeat weekly for a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'withlacoochee'?
Pale stippling and fine webbing on leaf undersides; leaves may curl or yellow in heavy infestations Improve humidity, rinse plant thoroughly, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on begonia 'withlacoochee'?
Brown or tan shell-like bumps on stems and midribs; yellowing leaves and sticky surfaces below Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in soapy water; treat with horticultural oil and repeat monthly