Do you know how to use Diatomaceous Earth on Houseplants? Would you love to see your plant grow healthy? Houseplants are an excellent way to improve air quality and can be beautiful additions to any room. But keeping them healthy and looking their best can be a challenge. One of the best ways to help your houseplants is by using diatomaceous earth on them. DE is a powder made from the fossilized remains of aquatic organisms called diatoms. It has many benefits for potted plants, including helping to control insect pests, promoting growth, and improving air quality. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use diatomaceous earth on houseplants.
How Effective is Diatomaceous Earth on Houseplants?
Diatomaceous earth is a highly effective pest control measure. It works by dehydrating and killing insects and fungus gnats that come into contact with it. This organic sedimentary rock powder is sharp and abrasive, and it can penetrate the exoskeletons of most common household pests, including ants, fleas, cockroaches, and bedbugs. DE is also effective against other pest-damaged houseplants, such as spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
In addition to being a great pest control measure, diatomaceous earth has many plant benefits.
The Benefits of Using Diatomaceous Earth
- There are several benefits to using diatomaceous earth on houseplants, including:
- DE can help to control soft-bodied insects without the use of harmful chemicals.
- It is a natural source of Silica, which is essential for plant growth.
- Silica can improve the structure of plant cells, making them stronger and more resistant to pests and diseases.
- DE can also help enhance air quality by trapping dust and other airborne particles.
- It can also be used as a Natural fertilizer, as it contains trace minerals beneficial for indoor plants.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth on Houseplants
You already know several things about DE: what it is, its many benefits, and how effective it can be. So, how do you go about using it on your houseplants? Here are the steps:
Purchase Diatomaceous Earth
The first step is to purchase DE. You can find it online or at a local gardening store. When purchasing DE, ensure you get food-grade DE, as this is the safest type to use on plants.
Prepare the Plant
Once you have your DE, the next step is to prepare the plant. Start by removing any dead leaves or stems. Then, water the plant thoroughly. This will help the DE to stick to the leaves and stems better. The goal is to ensure that the plant is entirely wet, not dripping wet, into the potting soil.
Mix the DE with Water to Create a Slurry
After the plant is wet, the next step is to mix the DE with water to create a slurry. To do this, add 1 cup of DE per gallon of water. Mix well until the DE is completely dissolved.
Apply the Slurry to the Plant
Once the DE is mixed with water, it’s time to apply it to the plant. You can do this using a spray bottle or a paintbrush. If using a spray bottle, make sure that you shake it well before each use. Next, cover the entire plant, ensuring the leaves are on top and bottom.
Allow the Slurry to Dry
After you have applied the DE slurry to the plant, allow it to dry. This usually takes about an hour. Once it’s dry, your plant will be protected from pests. Only water your plants when the slurry is completely dry to avoid washing it off.
Repeat as Needed
DE is a great way to control pests and promote growth, but it’s not a one-time solution. You will need to reapply the DE every few weeks to keep the plant healthy and pest-free.
How Long Does It Take Diatomaceous Earth To Kill Pests?
When diatomaceous earth is applied to an infestation, the fossils’ sharp edges cut through the pests’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. However, diatomaceous earth does not kill immediately; it can take several days or even weeks to achieve complete control of an infestation. Therefore, for best results, it is essential to apply diatomaceous earth directly to the pests and their nesting areas and to reapply after heavy rains or other weather events. Nevertheless, diatomaceous earth can provide long-lasting control of household pests with proper application.
Does It Lose Its Potency?
Diatomaceous earth remains effective as long as it is kept dry. However, when diatomaceous earth gets wet, the sharp edges of the fossils become dull and lose their ability to cut through the exoskeletons of pests. For this reason, applying diatomaceous earth when the weather is dry is essential as reapplying after heavy rains or other moisture events.
How Often Should I Reapply?
Generally, it would help if you reapplied diatomaceous earth every few weeks to keep your plants healthy and pest-free. However, you may need to reapply more frequently if you live in an area with high humidity or if your plants are particularly susceptible to pests. If you are unsure how often to reapply, it is best to consult with a local gardening expert.
What Are the Risks of Using Diatomaceous Earth?
When misused, diatomaceous earth poses little risk to humans, pets, or plants. However, it is essential to avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth, as this can cause respiratory irritation. Therefore, if you must apply diatomaceous earth indoors, it is best to do so in a well-ventilated area.
In addition, food-grade diatomaceous earth should be used when applying DE to houseplants; other types of DE may contain harmful chemicals that can be toxic to plants.
FAQs
Is diatomaceous earth harmful to humans?
No, diatomaceous earth is not harmful to humans when used as directed. However, it is essential to avoid inhaling diatomaceous earth, as this can cause respiratory irritation.
Is diatomaceous earth safe for pets?
Yes, diatomaceous earth is safe for pets when used as directed. However, keeping pets away from areas where diatomaceous earth has been applied is essential, as they may be tempted to lick it off their fur.
How much diatomaceous earth is enough?
When using diatomaceous earth to control pests, applying a thin layer to the affected area is essential. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of DE per gallon of water. However, you may need to adjust this amount depending on the severity of the infestation.
Conclusion
Diatomaceous earth is an effective way to control household pests. It is safe for humans and pets when used as directed and can provide long-lasting protection against insects, spiders, and other pests. When applying diatomaceous earth, use food-grade DE and avoid inhaling the powder.
