Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'connee boswell'?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits at cane nodes and leaf bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray entire plant with neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks; isolate from other plants
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling on leaf surfaces; wispy webbing on undersides in dry air
Control: Raise local humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, covering all leaf surfaces
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats at soil surface; larvae damage fine feeder roots, causing yellowing
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of compost to dry before rewatering; use Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) soil drench
Keep begonia 'connee boswell' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Connee Boswell' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'connee boswell'?
Begonia 'Connee Boswell' is a cane-type or rex hybrid houseplant prized for its foliage. Mealybugs are the main enemy, hiding in the joints of its canes or along leaf midribs. Spider mites thrive in dry indoor conditions. Fungus gnats colonise overwatered soil and stress roots.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'connee boswell'?
White cottony deposits at cane nodes and leaf bases; sticky honeydew and sooty mould Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud; spray entire plant with neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks; isolate from other plants
How do I get rid of spider mites on begonia 'connee boswell'?
Fine pale speckling on leaf surfaces; wispy webbing on undersides in dry air Raise local humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, covering all leaf surfaces
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'connee boswell'?
Adult gnats at soil surface; larvae damage fine feeder roots, causing yellowing Allow the top 2 inches of compost to dry before rewatering; use Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) soil drench