Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Examine the underside of the leaves for pests or mold.
- Check if the leaves are staying wet after watering.
- Ensure there is good airflow around the plant.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: You see a white, dusty coating on the leaves and stems.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant immediately. Remove the worst leaves and apply a neem oil spray if the infection persists.
Botrytis blight
PossibleHow to tell: Gray, fuzzy mold appears on the flowers and stems, often after wet weather.
What to do: Remove all affected plant parts right away. Keep the foliage dry when watering and ensure the soil is not staying soggy.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
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When to worry
If the spots are spreading rapidly or covering the stems, the plant is in danger of rotting.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant to keep leaves dry and provide plenty of space between plants for air to move.
Wax Begonia: spots? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Are these spots contagious?
- Yes, fungal spores can easily spread to nearby plants. Isolate the affected begonia until it is healthy.
- Should I cut off all the spotted leaves?
- Yes, removing infected leaves helps stop the spread. Just make sure to use clean scissors.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wax Begonia
- Why is my wax begonia looking so leggy?
- Why is my wax begonia drooping?
- Why are my wax begonia's leaves turning yellow?
- How do I fix root rot on my wax begonia?
- Why are my wax begonia's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why are my wax begonia leaves falling off?
- Why is my wax begonia not blooming?
- How do I get rid of bugs on my wax begonia?
- Why are my wax begonia leaves curling?
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.