Pest identification
What's eating my dragon wing begonia?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on tender stems and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted new growth
Control: Spray with a strong water jet daily for several days; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes in leaves and flowers; slime trails visible at night or after rain
Control: Use iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; remove sheltering debris and water in the morning, not evening
Whitefly
Signs: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew and clouds of white insects when plant is disturbed
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray in cool morning or evening hours
Keep dragon wing begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dragon Wing Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my dragon wing begonia?
Dragon Wing Begonia is a vigorous outdoor flowering plant commonly damaged by aphids on its succulent new growth and by slugs and snails at the base. Outdoors in summer, whitefly and thrips can also attack. In warm, dry spells, spider mites occasionally move in. Deer and rabbits generally avoid it.
How do I get rid of aphids on dragon wing begonia?
Clusters on tender stems and flower buds; sticky honeydew and distorted new growth Spray with a strong water jet daily for several days; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on dragon wing begonia?
Irregular holes in leaves and flowers; slime trails visible at night or after rain Use iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; remove sheltering debris and water in the morning, not evening
How do I get rid of whitefly on dragon wing begonia?
Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew and clouds of white insects when plant is disturbed Use yellow sticky traps; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray in cool morning or evening hours