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Wax Begonia · Begonia cucullata

How do I get rid of bugs on my wax begonia?

It is less common for wax begonias to get pests, and it usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or low humidity. Check the undersides of the leaves first to identify any small insects or webbing.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Check the leaf joints for white cottony spots.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on new growth or the undersides of leaves. The leaves may look distorted or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.

    What to do: Wash the plant gently with a stream of water to knock the bugs off. If they persist, spray the leaves with insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: Small white, cottony masses appear in the leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves. The plant may look stunted or lose its vigor.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white masses to kill them. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any bugs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your wax begonia

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few stray bugs are manageable, but you should worry if the infestation spreads to the entire plant or if the leaves start to curl and yellow. Act quickly to prevent the pests from moving to your other houseplants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant clean by wiping leaves occasionally and ensure there is good airflow around the pot to discourage pests.

Wax Begonia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wax begonia and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I use neem oil on my begonia?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but test it on one leaf first to make sure it does not cause damage. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct light.
Why do pests like my begonia?
Pests often target plants that are already stressed by improper watering or poor light. Keeping your plant healthy is the best defense against infestations.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Wax Begonia

Back to the Wax Begonia guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.