Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It is pressed from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used for centuries in India and other parts of Asia for its medicinal properties.
Neem oil is now gaining popularity in the Western world as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. It is a natural pesticide that works by disrupting the life cycle of insects. It is effective against a wide range of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, mites, and scale insects.
In this blog post, we will find how to use neem oil on houseplants and its benefits.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil On Houseplants
Work As A Repellent
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that repels and kills common houseplant pests such as aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. It also works as a fungicide to prevent powdery mildew, black spot, and other fungal diseases.
In addition to being an effective pest and disease control measure, neem oil also promotes growth and makes plants more resistant to stress.
Read More: Do Houseplants Attract Bugs
Contains Essential Nutrients
In addition to its pesticidal properties, neem oil is also rich in essential nutrients that can benefit your plants. Neem oil contains Vitamin E, which is an important antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect plant cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to premature aging and disease. Vitamin E helps to neutralize free radicals, protecting plant cells and promoting healthy growth.
Improves Moisture Of The Soil
Neem oil also contains fatty acids that can help to improve the moisture content of the soil. This is especially beneficial for plants that are grown in containers or pots, as they tend to have drier soil than plants that are grown in the ground. The added moisture will help your plants to better absorb nutrients from the soil, leading to healthier growth.
Read More: Do Houseplants Attract Fruit Flies
How To Use Neem Oil On Houseplants
Neem oil can be purchased at most garden stores or online. When using neem oil on houseplants, be sure to choose an organic neem oil product that is meant for use on plants.
Making A Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is most commonly used as a foliar spray.
Things You will need for neem oil mixture:
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon neem oil
- 1 teaspoon dish soap or castile soap
- A spray bottle
Optional:
- A few drops of essential oil for fragrance (optional)
You will also need some type of application devices such as a pump sprayer, sponge applicator, or cotton swab.
Directions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a spraying bottle and shake well to combine.
- To use, simply spray the plant leaves evenly, being sure to get the undersides of the leaves where pests like to hide.
- Apply neem oil once a week as a preventative measure or every few days if you already have a pest problem.
Applying neem oil spray is an effective and safe way to protect your houseplants from pests. Be sure to follow the directions carefully and always test the spray on a small area of the plant before applying it to the entire plant.
Prevent Powdery Mildew With Neem Oil
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can affect both outdoor and indoor plants. If left untreated, powdery mildew can cause leaves to yellow and eventually drop off.
To prevent this destructive disease, mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 2 cups of water and mist your plants’ leaves weekly during the growing season. The neem oil will create a barrier that prevents powdery mildew spores from attaching to leaves and causing damage.
Boost Plant Growth With Neem Oil
In addition to being an effective insecticide, neem oil can also be used as a fertilizer. TheAzadirachtin in neem oil stimulates plant growth by mimicking the hormone auxin. Just mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 quart of water and apply it to your plants’ leaves every two weeks during the growing season. You’ll notice your plants getting bigger and stronger in no time!
Use Neem Oil Insecticide Recipe
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill or repel a wide variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. To make a neem oil spray, simply mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 cup of water and add a few drops of dish soap to help the mixture stick to the leaves.
Then, just mist your plants with the spray—being careful not to saturate them—and voila! Your plants will be protected from pesky insects.
Preventing Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem in houseplants, but it can be prevented by using neem oil as a root drench. To make a root drench, mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 gallon of water and pour it around the base of the plant. Be sure to do this before watering your plant so that the roots have time to absorb the mixture.
Read More: How To Keep Cats Out Of Houseplants
Tips To Use Neem Oil For Houseplants
- Identify what pests are present in your plant. This will help you to target the appropriate pesticide.
- Once you have identified the pests, select a neem oil product that is specifically designed to target that type of pest. Be sure to read the instructions on the product label carefully before use.
- Apply the neem oil to your plant according to the instructions on the product label. In most cases, this will involve mixing a small amount of neem oil with water in a spray bottle and then spraying the solution onto the leaves of the plant.
- Monitor your plant closely over the next few days to make sure that the neem oil is effective in controlling pests. If necessary, reapply the neem oil according to the instructions on the product label.
- When using any pesticide, it is important to take care to avoid harming beneficial insects such as bees. To minimize risk to bees, apply pesticides early in the day when bees are not active. Avoid spraying flower blossoms directly with pesticides, as this is where bees are most likely to be present.
Read More: Home Remedies For Gnats In Houseplants
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in using neem oil on your houseplants. Neem oil is a powerful, all-natural insecticide and fungicide that can help keep your plants healthy and free of pests and diseases. It’s important to use the right concentration of neem oil for your plants, as too much can be harmful.
Follow the guidelines in this guide to get the most out of this natural remedy. Have you had success using neem oil on your houseplants? Let us know in the comments below.
