What's eating my boliviensis begonia?

Boliviensis begonias grown outdoors attract aphids, vine weevils, and slugs, while indoors they pick up spider mites and mealybugs. Aphids are the most frequent attacker, clustering on tender new growth and flower buds. Check undersides of leaves regularly and act early — populations explode fast on soft-stemmed flowering begonias.

Sticky honeydew, curled or puckered new growth and flower buds; may cause sooty mold. Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray every 5–7 days until clear.

Notched leaf margins from adults; wilting and plant collapse from larvae eating roots and tubers. Apply pathogenic nematodes (Steinernema kraussei) to moist compost in late summer; use imidacloprid drench as a last resort.

Ragged holes in leaves and stems, especially near soil level; silvery slime trails visible. Use iron phosphate pellets around plants at dusk; remove debris where slugs shelter and consider copper tape on pots.