What's eating my begonia 'silver limbo'?

Begonia 'Silver Limbo' is a rhizomatous or cane begonia type with silver-toned foliage that mealybugs target heavily. Thrips also scar the metallic leaf surface, causing the most visible cosmetic damage. Fungus gnats arrive if compost stays too wet. Inspect the crown and leaf undersides weekly, as early detection prevents rapid spread.

Fluffy white residue at stem joints and beneath silver leaves; honeydew leads to sooty mould Remove colonies with an alcohol-dipped swab; treat with neem oil spray weekly until no signs remain

Silvery streaking and stippling on the metallic foliage, distorting the decorative colouration Spray with insecticidal soap or spinosad weekly; hang blue sticky traps nearby to catch flying adults

Larvae feed on roots in damp compost; adults are visible hovering around the soil surface Water only when the top inch of compost is dry; apply a BTi biological drench to eliminate larvae