Pest identification
What's eating my tiger paws begonia?
Mealybugs
Signs: White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue
Control: Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3 weeks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine stippling on leaf surfaces, silvery webbing on undersides in dry conditions
Control: Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly
Fungus gnats
Signs: Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in soggy soil, causing wilting in young plants
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)
Keep tiger paws begonia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tiger Paws Begonia pests — FAQ
What is eating my tiger paws begonia?
Tiger Paws Begonia is most troubled by mealybugs and spider mites indoors. Its dense, hairy leaf texture can trap mealybug colonies in leaf axils, making them hard to spot early. Fungus gnats attack the soil when overwatered. Inspect leaf undersides and stem joints weekly and act fast at first sign.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on tiger paws begonia?
White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew residue Dab colonies with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray every 7 days for 3 weeks
How do I get rid of spider mites on tiger paws begonia?
Fine stippling on leaf surfaces, silvery webbing on undersides in dry conditions Raise humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on tiger paws begonia?
Larvae feed on roots and organic matter in soggy soil, causing wilting in young plants Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; drench soil with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)