Instead, it will attack and inhibit the formation and attack of fungi. Neem oil is an excellent option for treating and preventing pests on Fiddle Leaf Figs. Neem oil is an effective and natural way to kill bugs on houseplants, or battle tough insect pests out in the garden.
This oil is a natural fungicide and antibacterial, making it an ideal treatment for fiddle leaf figs. Using the proper balance of these nutrients encourages healthy root growth and maintains those giant gorgeous leaves. Below are some of the most common Fiddle Leaf Fig symptoms, their potential causes, and how you can fix the problem. Take a cutting by using sterile pruners from the tree. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between spider mites, aphids, and thrips in early stages of infestation, since they cause similar type of damage to the leaves. As some of the substrate at the bottom then place root ball in & try to center at best you can. Leave the potted plants outside to let the leaves dry and move them indoors and out of direct sunlight for several hours. That said, if ingested, neem oil could be dangerous. Continue to use it every few weeks until you no longer see any signs of the bugs. Each method is very effective against fungus gnats.
Thoroughly spray boths sides of all your fiddle's leaves (we know, that can be a tall order), and don't forget to also spray the stems, trunk, and even give the soil a generous misting to make sure any and every insect and nest on your plant gets dosed. You can either dip the cloth directly in your neem oil solution or spray it on first. We follow the package instructions for a "consistent fertilization" regiment. 5"-2" of a lip between the substrate line & top of pot. You've got questions, we've got answers. Here's my recipe for the type of neem oil concentrate that I buy…. These pests suck the sap of Fiddle Leaf Figs. Insect infections are rare, but leave obvious clues. You can also find isolated components of neem oil in household products you use every day, such as toothpaste and soap. First, I panicked, but then I did my research.
The only time you need to be cautious is when using neem oil sprays. Download your copy today! If you're spraying it on your plants, there is a strong possibility that oil will get on your floors or furniture if you don't take precautions to prevent that. Share your experiences in the comments below. Be sure to check the label, as some products labeled as neem oil contain additional ingredients that could reduce effectiveness, be dangerous for indoor use, or damage plant leaves. So what exactly can neem oil do for our houseplants. Shake the solution well and then spray all areas of the plant that are infected. But one day, I noticed it wasn't looking so great. It will prevent a mess when watering. This is because fig leaves are often hairy, so it is an ideal environment to trap residue, dirt, and airborne debris. We'll go over this in detail, but essentially you need to dilute it. But if you have 100% pure neem oil, these instructions should apply to all brands. The Indians have used neem oil for thousands of years to protect plants from insects and fungal diseases.
Once or twice a year, it is a good idea to check the root ball of your Fiddle. What Can Neem Oil Fix? If you're treating pests that lay their eggs in soil, a fungus that is growing on the soil, or starting a preventative regimen, you can do a soil soak. Light, watering, soil, repotting, fertilizing, temperature, humidity, propagation, and pruning are equally important in the Fiddle Leaf Fig care process. It goes by the scientific name of Azadirachta indica and is sometimes also known as Indian Lilac. You'll want to soak the cotton ball or Q-tip in neem oil and then gently dab to apply.
This makes for a powerful one-two punch when it comes to preventing harmful pests and diseases for your fiddle! Make sure to take excellent care of your fiddle leaf fig by watering and feeding it properly, providing enough bright sunlight (this is a huge deterrent to pests and fungus), and allowing some airflow between the leaves to prevent stagnant air that can encourage fungal growth or a warm, dark environment for insects to lay their eggs. Using Neem Oil on Your Fiddle Leaf Fig: Final Thoughts. Neem oil can be anywhere from a yellow to a bright red. It's still in a shaded area since its recent repotting, but I proceed to assemble a fortress around it to protect it from the little sun it might still get. While those other products can be effective as well, the full benefits of neem oil come from, well, neem oil. Make sure to spray your Fiddle Leaf Fig thoroughly, especially the undersides of the leaves, since spider mites love to settle there. Let the plant dry before bringing it back inside. Or better yet, sit in the room that you want to place your Fiddle in and if you can read a book comfortably without needing to turn on a light, this is generally enough light for your tree. Test it on a leaf or two before using it on the whole plant, to make sure there's no damage. You can mix just water and neem oil, but adding dish soap will improve the outcome of the treatment. In India, people have used neem oil as a natural pesticide in the agricultural field.
On the other hand, soil drench is suitable for preventing infestations from happening in the first place and for treating fungus gnats that live in the soil. This plant is susceptible to various fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Let me introduce you to neem oil insecticide, your new best friend! It has been used as a natural pesticide for years, due mainly to the presence of the chemical compound azadirachtin. Overdosing with systemic insecticide can easily kill your plant. The best neem oil is pure and cold-pressed.
Here are some of the most common questions about neem oil that you can easily find on horticultural forums lately. Once the root system is established place into the potting mix listed above. Mix the 1 1/2 teaspoons neem oil concentrate, with 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap, and 1 liter tepid water. 2 parts - bark or mulch (unprocessed or dyed).
You may even come to love neem oil almost as much as you love your houseplants! You will need very sharp scissors or pruning shears. A humidifier is the best way to boost humidity. It's been used for thousands of years in India to protect crops from insects and is an important element of organic farming around the world today. You'll want to prime your plant with a little plain water first, then go ahead and saturate the soil with the neem oil solution. If you're dealing with a minor infestation, you can treat spider mites with plain water.
It could be unwelcome visitors (😱) or maybe some kind of fungal thing (🤢). Don't Move Your Fiddle Too Often! Neem oil is a great natural remedy for pests. When you have a pest or fungus to get rid of, you will likely need a few repeat treatments to ensure the infestation doesn't return. During a scale infestation of my tomato plants, I happily sprayed neem oil everywhere (at dusk of course) and for good measure, spritzed a bit on my HC as well.
To test, apply it to a small area of your plant and wait for 24 hours.