Pest identification
What's eating my angel wing begonia 'lucerna'?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white masses in cane joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew drips below
Control: Wipe canes with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray all surfaces with neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on new shoots and flower buds; leaves curl and distort
Control: Knock off with a strong water jet; follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
Whitefly
Signs: Clouds of tiny white flies rise when disturbed; yellowing leaves and sticky deposits
Control: Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray in the evening, repeat weekly
Keep angel wing begonia 'lucerna' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats scarlet begonia — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats angel wing begonia 'lucerna' — our other guide for the same plant
- PictureThis alternatives — 7 plant ID apps compared
- Common angel wing begonia 'lucerna' problems & fixes
- Angel Wing Begonia 'Lucerna' watering schedule
- Angel Wing Begonia 'Lucerna' light requirements
- Full angel wing begonia 'lucerna' care guide
Angel Wing Begonia 'Lucerna' pests — FAQ
What is eating my angel wing begonia 'lucerna'?
Angel Wing Begonia 'Lucerna' is a tall cane begonia grown indoors or on sheltered patios. Mealybugs are the chief pest, colonising its bamboo-like canes. Outdoors, aphids congregate on new growth and caterpillars may notch the large silver-spotted leaves. Whitefly can infest plants in warm, sheltered spots.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on angel wing begonia 'lucerna'?
Cottony white masses in cane joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew drips below Wipe canes with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray all surfaces with neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of aphids on angel wing begonia 'lucerna'?
Dense colonies on new shoots and flower buds; leaves curl and distort Knock off with a strong water jet; follow with insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of whitefly on angel wing begonia 'lucerna'?
Clouds of tiny white flies rise when disturbed; yellowing leaves and sticky deposits Use yellow sticky traps; apply insecticidal soap or pyrethrin spray in the evening, repeat weekly