Pest identification
What's eating my begonia 'gryphon'?
Thrips
Signs: Silvery streaks and stippling on the upper leaf surface; edges may brown and curl; dark frass visible
Control: Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly for 4 weeks; hang blue sticky traps nearby to catch adults
Mealybugs
Signs: Fluffy white clusters at leaf axils and where petioles meet the cane stem; sticky honeydew
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol, then apply neem oil spray to the entire plant
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots in wet compost; adults hover around the pot and nearby surfaces
Control: Reduce watering; apply BTi biological drench; use yellow sticky traps to capture adults
Keep begonia 'gryphon' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Begonia 'Gryphon' pests — FAQ
What is eating my begonia 'gryphon'?
Begonia 'Gryphon' is a cane-style begonia that attracts the typical houseplant trio: mealybugs in leaf axils, thrips on the large palmate leaves, and fungus gnats in moist compost. Thrips cause the most visible cosmetic damage, silvering the distinctive leaf surface. Good airflow and avoiding leaf wetness are key preventive measures.
How do I get rid of thrips on begonia 'gryphon'?
Silvery streaks and stippling on the upper leaf surface; edges may brown and curl; dark frass visible Spray with spinosad or insecticidal soap weekly for 4 weeks; hang blue sticky traps nearby to catch adults
How do I get rid of mealybugs on begonia 'gryphon'?
Fluffy white clusters at leaf axils and where petioles meet the cane stem; sticky honeydew Dab with isopropyl alcohol, then apply neem oil spray to the entire plant
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on begonia 'gryphon'?
Larvae feed on roots in wet compost; adults hover around the pot and nearby surfaces Reduce watering; apply BTi biological drench; use yellow sticky traps to capture adults