Do Slugs Eat Begonias?

Slugs eat a range of plants and vegetables and are a frequent problem in gardens. There are, however, some plant varieties that slugs tend to leave alone.

Slugs do not typically eat begonias, but they may nibble on the leaves if hungry or disturbed. However, in most cases, this is only cosmetic damage rather than causing any real harm or destruction to the plant itself.

Well-known for their resistance to damage from mollusks, Bedding begonias, fibrous-rooted and corm begonias remain untouched amidst the destruction of other bedding plants.

Overview of Slugs and Begonias

Begonia semperflorens, a fiber-rooted plant with beautiful foliage, will decorate your garden all summer long until the first frost. Its wide array of cultivars come in an assortment of colors from white to pink and red. Additionally, this begonia is one of few bedding plants that can still thrive even in partially shaded spots; making it perfect for any garden!

Slugs will be present in areas that are moist, damp, and dark but will often be found near the places where begonias are planted. They will often avoid beds of begonias due to their texture and flavor, but will sometimes still try them out.

Why Do Slugs Avoid Begonias?

This is because they are shielded from these slimy bugs by a thick, waxy covering. It’s vital to consider both the traits of the pest and the plant to comprehend why slugs don’t consume begonias.

Slugs’ fragile bodies render them susceptible to the begonia leaves’ heavy waxy covering. The fragrant leaves of begonias may not be alluring to them since they lack vision and depend on their antennas to find food sources.

Begonias often have thick, dry leaves that are unappealing to slugs, who prefer wet, succulent leaves.

This covering renders the leaves inedible to slugs and snails as well as providing some defense against other pests like aphids and caterpillars.

Begonias also have a strong scent that deters slugs, decreasing their likelihood of feeding on the plant. Therefore, Begonias are an excellent choice if you’re seeking for a plant to deter slugs.

So, What Kind of Pests Are Eating My Begonias?

If your begonias are being eaten, it may be due to other pests such as caterpillars or aphids.

Aphids are soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be seen as green, yellow, brown, or black clusters on plant leaves and stems. They will also leave a sticky substance known as honeydew, which is an indication of the presence of aphids. The damage they cause to begonias is mainly cosmetic and does not usually harm the plant’s health.

Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. This pest tends to chew large holes in begonia leaves and flowers. The presence of caterpillars is usually identified by the plant’s frayed leaves, damaged flowers, and silken webs.

What Other Flowers or Plants Will Slugs Leave Alone?

In addition to begonias, there are many other flowers that slugs may not bother.

Slugs are one of the most destructive pests in your garden, therefore plants and flowers have evolved to become less appealing to them. Some of these characteristics include toxic ingredients, hard and smooth leaves, thorns, spines, and sometimes stinging hairs.

This means that some plant families have become less attractive to slugs. The list of plants and flowers is extensive, but some of the most slug-repelling are:

• Ferns
• Hydrangeas
• Geranium
• Poppy
• Allium
• Spurge
• Hydrangea
• Succulents
• Rosemary
• Mint
• Foxglove
• Dianthus

Nonetheless, these families may not always be secure. An array of components can cause a plant’s immunity to fluctuate and become vulnerable.