Neem oil has been used as a pesticide by people for centuries. When it comes to gardening, dealing with pests is one major drawback. It might seem that pests rarely infect succulents, but sometimes, it becomes difficult to control pests’ attacks.
But, can you use neem oil on succulents?
Yes, neem oil can be used on most succulents when applied properly. It oil is one of the most effective organic substances used as a pesticide. Along with acting as a repellent, it eliminates pests by switching off their feeding hormone.
Hence, neem oil can work wonders with succulents.
Can you use neem oil on succulents?
Certainly! Neem oil is a great option when it comes to organic pesticides. It doesn’t affect the environment adversely in any way.
Neem oil is an agile and effective method of a plant’s recovery from pest infestations. All of this saves the plants from exposure to artificial chemicals. Hence neem oil can become a friend to your succulents when applied properly, noticing your plant’s reaction.
Can you spray cactus with neem oil?
Neem oil works wonders as a pesticide, but not when sprayed raw. Neem oil is strong and will burn your foliage if used in high concentrations. While spraying succulents with neem oil is normal, it must be done only after diluting it in water.
Furthermore, excess oil can create a layer over the leaves, barring them from food production. Hence dilution of the neem oil before spraying is very important to be kept in mind.
How do you use neem oil for succulents and cactus?
Applying neem oil on succulents is very much like applying other pesticides. However, this pesticide is not ready-made for your use. You have to properly make your neem oil suitable for your delicate succulents.
Simple application
You can try applying neem oil to your succulents by measuring five drops of neem oil with one tablespoon of water. Make this perfect solution and apply it to the leaves, soil, stem, or any infected part of the plant. This will bring results in very few days.
As a Water-Soluble Fertilizer
Another method of applying neem oil includes applying neem oil or its water-soluble supplements in your fertilizer. Repeat this process every month and see the results. Along with providing continuous protection to your plants, it will boost their overall health.
Neem foliar spray
Third on the list is making a neem foliar spray. This can be prepared by emulsifying one-quarter of water with liquid dish soap and add 1 teaspoon of neem oil. Spraying this mixture for 14 days regularly will rid your succulent of the infestation.
As a soil soak
Another method of applying neem oil is by using a neem soil soak. This is a comparatively slow process but effective against any infestation and prevents bacterial attacks.
It can be made by creating an emulsion of 1 teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water and two tablespoons of raw neem. Pouring this mixture around your plant roots without splashing the stem or visible roots for 22 days can remove any infestation.
Neem cakes
Neem cakes are by-products of neem oil extraction. This can also be effectively used for your infestation since they contain some amounts of raw neem oil. They make excellent fertilizers for your succulents. They will attack soil nematodes and grubs and treat root rot effectively. They are also less harmful to plants that might be sensitive.
What happens if you use too much neem oil on plants?
Too much neem oil can harm your plants in every way. It forms a coating over the leaves that hinders their food production mechanism. Furthermore, excess neem oil burns the foliage of plants. It can ultimately be extremely harmful to any plant that you have.
It will suffocate the leaf and bars them from respiration or photosynthesis. Along with that, the excess oil on the leaf causes them to burn from the excess sunlight. It will create spots and eventual decay of leaves. Hence you must remain careful of the amounts of neem oil used in your succulents.
Do you spray neem oil on soil or leaves?
Yes. Succulents can be sprayed with neem oil in the soil, the leaves, and even on the step, depending on where your infestation is. However, as mentioned more than once in this article, neem oil sprays must be diluted before usage. Else, it can be fatal for the plant itself.
When used in the soil, it helps easy absorption of the pesticide ingredient into the plant vascular system. This would also kill any soil infestations or insects in the soil when applied. Neem oil can be sprayed on leaves as a dilute mixture that would ward off insects and pests effectively.
Mistakes to Avoid While Applying Neem Oil On Succulents
- Do not use commercial neem oil sprays- Neem oil starts degrading once it is mixed with water. Hence, the pre-made products you get in stores will be highly degraded. Moreover, the content of the spray is unknown to you and can risk your plants.
- Do not spray neem oil in the open sun- Neem oil is highly vulnerable and breaks down in sunlight. Hence, most succulents will suffer from severe burns in sunlight when applied.
- Test neem oil in your plant before completing the application- Some plants might be sensitive to neem oil. Hence, before full application, you must test your plant with neem oil first.
- Do not use raw neem oil- Never use the neem oil in your plant raw. Always dilute the neem oil with water and apply it to keep your plant safe and ensure effective working.
- Do not mix neem oil with any harmful chemicals- Never mix your neem oil with other harmful chemicals like isopropyl alcohol. This can cause a reaction and ultimately damage your plants.
Tips for Preventing Pests on Succulents
Succulents are delicate plants and are affected even by a minute change in the environment or watering schedules. Hence pest infestations are very harmful to them. Applying neem oil is one of the right methods for preventing pests.
However, there are several other precautions that you can take for your succulents. Mentioned below are 4 fail-safe tips for preventing pests on succulents, other than applying neem oil.
- Application of mild fertilizers- Regularly fertilize your succulents to keep them strong and healthy during their growing seasons. Fertilizers need to be stopped after the fall season, and it continues up to the end of winter. This keeps your plants protected, safe, and healthy.
- Removal of dead leaves- Remove hiding places of bugs by removing the dead and decayed leaves. This prevents molds from forming along with reduces the chances of bug infestations.
- Avoid overwatering- Never overwater your succulents. Unlike cacti, succulents have shallow root systems and require very little water. Wet soil for long periods attracts pests since it is a breeding ground for them. Keep your succulents dry and maintain regular watering routines.
- Regular application of organic pesticides- The application of organic pesticides is recommended since it acts as increased protection and will save your plants from infestations. Prevention is always better than cure. Hence it is always recommended to work now before it’s too late.
Frequently Asked Questions (fAQs)
What is the best fungicide for succulents?
When it comes to fungicides for succulents, you can use an all-purpose fungicide for your succulents and spray it for maximum results. You can get fungicides from any reputed company. Even neem oil can be used as an effective fungicide for your succulents.
Does neem oil clog plant pores?
Excess application or raw application of neem oil forms a coating on top of leaves that clogs the pores and prevents respiration and the food production mechanism. Hence it adversely affects the plants.
How often should you spray neem oil on plants?
This answer completely depends on the size and type of indoor or outdoor succulents. It also depends on the number of infestations and the type of bug that has attacked your succulents.
Should I wash neem oil off plants?
If you use neem oil diluted in water, it is unnecessary to wash it off plants since they normally evaporate after work.
How quickly does neem oil work?
Neem oil works within a week, depending on the infestation type
The Bottom Line
Hence, neem oil is an easy treatment for infestations in your succulents. It can be effectively used as both a pesticide and fungicide when used properly, keeping in mind the common mistakes while applying.
Neem oil is a must in your inventory if you are a succulent enthusiast. Along with being organic, it offers a smart and fast remedy for bug infestations. However, you should remember excess of anything is not good. Keep a check on your usage, and you are all set!
