Something Is Making My Begonias Unhealthy. How Can I Determine What?

Do the leaves of your begonias have powdery white patches on them?

Do the leaves of your begonias have angular brown blotches?

Do the leaves of your begonias have fuzzy, brown or gray spots?

Do the leaves of your begonias have spots?

Are there any small, brown blisters with yellow margins on the leaves?

Are the leaves, stems, and buds of your begonias distorted?

Are the leaves of your plants yellow and have the whole plant weakened?

Do the leaves and stems of your begonias have white, cottony clusters on them?

Do the stems of your begonias have soft, water-soaked spots on them?

Do the leaves of your begonias have reddish to brown lines on them?

Do the leaves of your begonias have large, ragged holes in them?

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungus Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Thin your plants to ensure good airflow. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Angular brown blotches on begonias leaves are caused by Leaf nematodes. These microscopic worm-like creatures feed on leaves of some plants. Symptoms usually appear on lower leaves first, and then spread to upper leaves. Remove and destroy infected leaves, and the next two leaves directly above them. Make sure to water plants from below. Do not replant begonias in the same soil if the infestation was severe.

Fuzzy, brown or gray spots on the leaves are caused by fungal disease Botrytis gray mold. This fungus tends to attack weak plants. It also thrives in humid but cool weather. Remove and destroy all infected leaves, stems and flowers and thin plants to ensure good air circulation around begonias.

These leaf spots are caused by bacterias. Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Thin plants and avoid crowding future plantings. Water begonias from below. Clean up all plant debris around your flowers to remove overwintering sites.

Fungal leaf spots may be brown, black or transparent. Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Thin plants and avoid crowding future plantings. Water begonias from below. Clean up all plant debris around your flowers to remove overwintering sites.

Distorted leaves, stems and buds are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Control them by washing them off the plant with water spray and by introducing their natural predators. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Yellow leaves and weakened plants are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

White, cottony clusters on leaves and stems are caused by mealybugs. These tiny insects are covered with a fluffy white coating. They feed by sucking plants sap. They produce sticky substance honeydew which makes leaves sticky. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Soft, water-soaked spots on begonias stems are caused by Stem rot. This disease can be caused by both bacterias and fungi. Remove and destroy all infected plants. Thin plants to ensure good airflow. Water begonias from below. Keep mulch a few inches away from begonias stems. In cases of severe infestations, don't replant new begonias in affected areas.

Reddish to brown lines on begonias leave is caused by thrips. Thrips are tiny, yellow to black flying insects. They hide under leaves and inside flowers. Severely infected plant parts should be pruned off and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Large, ragged holes on the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Excess water or high temperatures can be a cause for begonias problems. If the begonias flower buds drop off, the most likely cause is either high temperatures or to much water in the soil.