Pest identification
What's eating my escargot rex begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony deposits in the spiral centre and along petioles; leaves yellow and the plant wilts
Control: Remove with an alcohol swab; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, paying attention to the curled leaf centre
Thrips
Signs: Silver-grey streaking and scarring across the patterned leaf surface; tiny dark frass specks visible
Control: Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps to monitor
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae destroy fine roots, causing sudden collapse in overwatered plants
Control: Water only when top inch of soil is dry; use BTi drench and yellow sticky traps for adults
Keep escargot rex begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Escargot Rex Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my escargot rex begonia?
Escargot Rex Begonia's large, textured leaves are beloved by mealybugs, thrips, and fungus gnats. Thrips rasp the distinctive spiralled foliage, causing silvery scarring that ruins its ornamental appeal. Overwatering encourages fungus gnats. Avoid wetting leaves when watering, ensure good air circulation, and inspect leaf undersides closely each week.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on escargot rex begonia?
White cottony deposits in the spiral centre and along petioles; leaves yellow and the plant wilts Remove with an alcohol swab; treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, paying attention to the curled leaf centre
How do I get rid of thrips on escargot rex begonia?
Silver-grey streaking and scarring across the patterned leaf surface; tiny dark frass specks visible Remove heavily damaged leaves; apply spinosad or insecticidal soap spray weekly; use blue sticky traps to monitor
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on escargot rex begonia?
Larvae destroy fine roots, causing sudden collapse in overwatered plants Water only when top inch of soil is dry; use BTi drench and yellow sticky traps for adults