Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Polka dot begonia · Begonia maculata

How do I get rid of pests on my Polka dot begonia?

Pests like mealybugs can hide in the crevices of your Begonia maculata. Catching them early is the best way to keep your plant healthy.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves and stem joints.
  2. Isolate the plant from others to prevent spreading.
  3. Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybugs

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, white, cottony masses in the leaf axils or under the leaves. The plant may look stunted or sticky.

    What to do: Wipe the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Powdery Mildew

    Possible

    How to tell: A white, dusty fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves. It often happens when air circulation is poor.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by moving it away from crowded areas. Treat the leaves with a mixture of water and a small amount of baking soda or a commercial fungicide.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your polka dot 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If you see a heavy infestation that covers the whole plant, it is serious and requires immediate treatment. Small spots are manageable with consistent care.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plant regularly when you water and keep the leaves clean to discourage pests.

Polka dot begonia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your polka dot 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these pests harmful to my pets?
Mealybugs themselves are not toxic, but the treatments you use might be. Always keep treated plants away from pets until the foliage is dry.
Why did my plant get powdery mildew?
It usually happens when the leaves stay wet or the air is stagnant. Ensure the plant has good airflow and avoid getting water on the leaves when you water.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Polka dot begonia

Back to the Polka dot 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.