Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Check if the leaves are wet after watering.
- Inspect the plant for white dust or gray mold.
- Ensure the plant has enough space between it and other plants.
Likely causes
Powdery mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: A white, dusty fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. You can treat it with a mild neem oil spray.
Botrytis blight
PossibleHow to tell: Gray, fuzzy mold develops on the stems and flowers in cool, damp conditions.
What to do: Remove the affected parts immediately to stop the spread. Keep the plant in a warmer, drier area with better airflow.
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
Fungal spots can spread quickly and kill the plant if left untreated. Act as soon as you see the first signs of mold.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and ensure good ventilation.
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
- Is the mold harmful to me?
- Generally no, but it is best to wash your hands after handling infected plants.
- Should I isolate the plant?
- Yes, move the plant away from others to prevent the fungus from spreading to your healthy plants.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Wax Begonia
- Why are my wax begonia leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my wax begonia getting so leggy?
- Why is my Wax Begonia drooping?
- Why is my Wax Begonia showing signs of root rot?
- Why are my Wax Begonia's leaf tips turning brown?
- Why is my wax begonia dropping its leaves?
- 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.