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Wax Begonia · Begonia semperflorens

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

It is less common for wax begonias to have severe pest issues, but they can occasionally attract small insects if the air is too dry or stagnant. Check the undersides of the leaves first, as this is where most pests like to hide.

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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 leaves or stems.
  3. Check the leaf joints for white cottony patches.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth or flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Mealybugs

    Possible

    How to tell: White, cottony masses appear in the leaf axils or along the stems.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white spots. Repeat this process every few days until the pests are gone.

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 plant becomes covered in webbing or sticky honeydew. Treat the plant immediately if you see a large infestation.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant clean and ensure good air circulation around the foliage 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?
Yes, neem oil is effective, but test it on one leaf first to make sure it does not cause a reaction. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn.
Do I need to isolate the plant?
Yes, move the affected plant away from your other houseplants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

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.