Do I need to throw the plant away?

Not usually. Mealybugs are annoying but can be controlled with consistent cleaning and treatment.

Why do mealybugs like my Begonia?

They love the sheltered spots where leaves meet stems. Keeping your plant healthy and clean makes it less attractive to them.

Begonia: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the leaf axils for white cottony fluff.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Examine the undersides of the leaves for small crawling insects.

Likely causes

Mealybugs
Most likely
How to tell: Small, white, cottony masses appear in the joints where leaves meet the stem.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the white masses to kill them. Repeat this every 5 days until you no longer see any pests.
Infestation
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stunted, and the leaves are sticky or turning yellow.
What to do: If the infestation is heavy, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days. Make sure to get under the leaves and into all the tight crevices.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your 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.

When to worry

If the plant is covered in sticky honeydew or the leaves are dropping, the infestation is severe and needs immediate treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants regularly for pests and keep them clean by wiping the leaves occasionally.

Begonia: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

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

Questions people ask

Do I need to throw the plant away?: Not usually. Mealybugs are annoying but can be controlled with consistent cleaning and treatment.
Why do mealybugs like my Begonia?: They love the sheltered spots where leaves meet stems. Keeping your plant healthy and clean makes it less attractive to them.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why are there white cottony things on my Tuberous Begonia?