How to Use Neem Oil on Plants?
Neem leaves are quite a common term in Ayurvedic and Siddha treatments. They are known to be great antiseptics for humans that can be used for wounds and in the treatment of gut issues. In the same way, neem oil is excellent in treating plants and the benefits are quite fascinating. Many types of pests dread neem oil as it can kill and remove the pests from your plants. The plant-eating and disease-causing pests cannot dwell for very long if you apply neem oil to your plants. Neem oil has many uses, but some people are hesitant to apply it to their plants thinking that it might damage your plants or may cause harm to organisms that are important to your plant. The following information will help you use neem oil safely and successfully without having to worry about harming the plants.
Why Use Neem Oil?
Neem oil’s main ingredients are azadirachtin and hydrophobic. These two main ingredients are the ones that help control pests in vegetable and fruit plants and can also be used in the prevention of pests and insects in your indoor plants. You won’t have any difficulty with most pests if you frequently apply neem oil to your indoor plants. It can be used to clean plants and is even effective when used as a fly spray on the soil. Neem oil for plant problems won’t harm other helpful pollinators, earthworms, or significant microorganisms and bacteria. On the other hand, neem oil can control fungal infections that affect plants such as downy mildew. Neem hinders spore penetration into the leaf and stops the germination process.
Neem oil has two distinct purposes. The first is suffocating or smothering the insects that are eating your plants. Only small insects, like spider mites, can be controlled by this method. Due to the chemicals (azadirachtin and hydrophobic) in the neem oil, the second purpose is to destroy any insects. Both the tiny and larger insects on your plants are killed by this. Remember that neem oil takes time to start working. Before you start to get the desired outcomes, it normally takes 3 to 4 days and a few sessions.
Usage of neem oil on plants can kill bugs and insects such as:
- Caterpillars
- Mites
- Leafhoppers
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Snails
- Snugs
Tips for Using Neem Oil On Plants
- Neem oil should not be applied in the middle of the day since the combination of the hot sun and the oil might burn plant leaves.
- If you’re unsure of how to apply neem oil to plants in your kitchen garden, you should ideally harvest your fruits and vegetables before carrying out the treatment. This will give the oil enough time to eradicate any unwelcome bugs before the following harvest.
- Remember that neem oil can trigger allergic reactions like contact dermatitis if you’re using it for the first time. Therefore, make sure to use gardening gloves if you have skin allergies or sensitive skin.
- All soft-bodied insects, including ladybirds and hoverfly larvae and nymphs, will be harmed by this method. Neem oil spraying works best when done in the morning or evening when plant-eating insects are still feeding but beneficial insects are less active.
- Undiluted neem oil can be stored in the fridge or in some cool place for it to continue to work for one to three years. Allow your neem oil to sit at room temperature for a few hours before using it if it has thickened or hardened when placed in the fridge.
Is Neem Oil Safe?
Yes! Plants, animals, and people can all use neem oil without any issues. Although it is not harmful, you should never attempt to consume it.
Only insects that consume leaves are the focus of neem oil pesticides. Most useful insects that don’t eat plant leaves, such as bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and others, are typically harmless.
Neem oil won’t hurt most plants if you use it in the proper concentration. It can only damage foliage or stunt growth in mature plants and does not significantly hurt them. On the other hand, excessive neem oil spraying greatly increases the risk of killing seedlings. particularly if they are exposed to the sun.
Some simple home procedures will help solve most of your pest problems so don’t hesitate to buy more plants, just because of pests, because you can always treat them. Order some best varieties of plants online from www.dharmikgardens.com.
