Neem oil!!?

**kerri.rock** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:07 PM

So, reading through the posts, I got a mixed answer but a general agreement. Many of you guys seem to think it is effective and harmless. So, that being said I just treated all of my plants with a VERY diluted mixture. (1 tsp/32 oz) because it appeared as if something had been munching on them!! Good idea or bad idea?

**Ron-NY** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:30 PM

when using an oil spray, make sure you do it when temps are below 85 degrees. don't have them in sun until leaves are dry. Also when making an oil spray add a couple of drops of liquid dish detergent as a surfactant. Shake spray bottle frequently when treating. I am not sure about dilution ratio with Neem oil.

**kerri.rock** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:33 PM

Hi Ron! Thank you for you always welcomed and educational response!! However, it's an overcast day and there is no sun in sight!! I sprayed them and then wiped down the leaves because I know that standing water is no good! I didn't mix with any dish soap...is this bad? Also, I pointed a fan directly at my plants so that they dry out faster. The ratio they gave was 2-4 tablespoons/gallon of water. So, I mixed a teaspoon or less with 32 oz. I hope I didn't hurt anything! It was getting out of hand though, one of my phals seemed to be the target of some little nasty eating the leaves...the damage wasn't too bad, so I tried spraying with Safers, but it didn't seem to help. So, I switched to neem oil and treated all plants in my home!

**Ron-NY** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:38 PM

I wouldn't have worried about wiping the leaves dry afterwards. The purpose of using oil spray is to smother insects. the soap heals break up the oil so it mixes better with the water and sticks better on the plant and insects. I will have to go back and look for your post regarding this so I can see your pics

**kerri.rock** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:40 PM

I wiped them less so to dry them, and more so to spread the oil all over the leaves. I used warm water with the oil and that appeared to break it up nicely! I'll remember the soap trick for next time!!

**Ron-NY** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:41 PM

mealy bug issue?

**kerri.rock** · April 23rd, 2013, 01:42 PM

Yes, before it was mealy bugs. One of my orchids started out with it, and then I noticed another with it (after removing the first one) so far, I have not seen the bugs on the first plant. I ended up throwing the second orchid out because no matter what I did, I couldn't save it! The roots were all gone because of poor care (prior to me owning it!). Now, I think that I have a gnat problem, but I'm not sure if that is what is eating my leaves!