Keep houseplants in an area that gets good air circulation.
Insect infestations attack houseplants, stressing the plants. Left untreated, insect infestations can spread to other plants. Keep houseplants healthy and bug-free using natural, organic ingredients. Simple ingredients, like spicy chili peppers, pungent garlic, bitter neem and basic soap or oil solutions, help control fungal infections and infestations of soft-bodied insects. Does this Spark an idea?
Garlic and Chili
Garlic and chili, mixed together, makes houseplants an unwelcome environment for many insects. To treat insect infestations on houseplants, blend 1 organic garlic clove and 1 organic chili pepper together in a food processor. Put the paste in 1 qt. of water and shake it well. Spray both sides of the foliage, stalks and flowers. Make an organic fungal spray using garlic powder and water. Mix 2 tbsp. of organic garlic powder in water and spray infected houseplants.
Neem
The neem tree comes from India. Naturally occurring compounds in neem leaves have anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and insecticidal properties. According to Colorado State University, neem seed oil stops the development of larva and growth by affecting the reproductive cycle. Neem oil works well to control white fly. Use 2 tbsp. of powdered neem seeds or neem seed oil diluted in a qt. of water to make an all purpose, organic bug, fungal and bacterial spray for houseplants.
Soap and Oil
Simple soap and water kills and deters insects on houseplants. To make an organic soap spray, use organic dishwashing detergent. Mix 3 tbsp. of the soap in a gallon of luke warm water. Mix it well and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Spray the foliage and stalks using the soap spray. Oil coats insects, suffocating them. Mix together 1 cup of water with 1 cup of vegetable oil and a tbsp. of organic dishwashing detergent. Spray plants infested with aphids and other insects.
Natural Insect Control
Natural ingredients work but they tend to take longer than chemical insecticides. Check houseplants regularly for signs of infestations. Most insects are visible and can be simply picked off as they appear. Wash plants in the sink or shower using a sprayer to rinse off insects and larva. Keep new plants away from your houseplant collection for two to three weeks to avoid introducing new diseases into the environment. Keep houseplants in areas that have good circulation. It keeps them fresh and healthy and deters insects.
Tags: Keep houseplants, deters insects, dishwashing detergent, foliage stalks, garlic powder, garlic powder water