What's eating my begonia 'zip'?

Begonia 'Zip', a compact rhizomatous houseplant, is most at risk from mealybugs and fungus gnats. Its small size means a mealybug infestation can overwhelm the plant quickly. Fungus gnats exploit the moist rhizomatous compost. Inspect leaf axils with a hand lens monthly and use a well-draining, gritty mix.

White fluffy colonies at petiole bases and along rhizomes at soil level; honeydew causes sticky, mouldy foliage. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab, then apply neem oil drench plus foliar spray weekly for four weeks.

Adult gnats hover around the soil; larvae chew roots causing stunted growth and unexpected wilting. Allow potting mix surface to dry between waterings; apply Bti-based biological drench and use yellow sticky cards.

Tiny pale speckles on small, patterned leaves; webbing reduces leaf clarity in dry conditions. Mist leaves and undersides; spray with diluted insecticidal soap every five days and increase local humidity.