Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'escargot' cocktail series?
Aphids
Signs: Soft colonies on shoot tips and flower buds; honeydew fosters sooty mould
Control: Knock off with water; spray with insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear
Slugs and snails
Signs: Seedlings eaten off at the base; irregular petal and leaf damage after rain
Control: Use iron phosphate pellets; water in the morning; remove debris where slugs shelter
Vine weevil
Signs: Larvae eat roots and stem base in containers, causing plants to wilt and die suddenly
Control: Drench container compost with vine weevil nematodes in late August; inspect roots before potting on
Keep begonia 'escargot' cocktail series pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats bedding begonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common begonia 'escargot' cocktail series problems & fixes
- Begonia 'Escargot' Cocktail Series watering schedule
- Begonia 'Escargot' Cocktail Series light requirements
- Full begonia 'escargot' cocktail series care guide
Begonia 'Escargot' Cocktail Series pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'escargot' cocktail series?
Begonia 'Cocktail Vodka' and the Cocktail series are compact semperflorens begonias used in outdoor beds and containers. Aphids on new growth and slugs on young transplants are the primary outdoor threats. Vine weevil attack roots in pots. If grown as houseplants, watch for mealybugs and spider mites instead.
How do I get rid of aphids on begonia 'escargot' cocktail series?
Soft colonies on shoot tips and flower buds; honeydew fosters sooty mould Knock off with water; spray with insecticidal soap every 5–7 days until clear
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on begonia 'escargot' cocktail series?
Seedlings eaten off at the base; irregular petal and leaf damage after rain Use iron phosphate pellets; water in the morning; remove debris where slugs shelter
How do I get rid of vine weevil on begonia 'escargot' cocktail series?
Larvae eat roots and stem base in containers, causing plants to wilt and die suddenly Drench container compost with vine weevil nematodes in late August; inspect roots before potting on