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When to Use Organic Neem Oil on Plants

Posted by Mr Middleton on 15th Feb 2024

When to Use Organic Neem Oil on Plants

Mr Middleton’s Neem Oil.

Organic Pure, Virgin Cold-Pressed Neem Oil. It has no additives or other chemicals.

Neem oil works as a preventative method as well as pest control for an existing infestation. Use neem oil during the morning or evening hours. Avoid using neem oil during the middle of the day, as the combination of neem oil and direct sunlight can burn the plants. Neem oil is effective throughout the growing season, as it can kill pests during every stage of their lifecycle, including eggs, larvae/ grubs) pupas, and adults.

Neem oil is an effective treatment for over 200 kinds of insect pests and is most effective on chewing insects. Neem oil kills a wide variety of insects, including aphids, mealybugs, greenflies, whiteflies, beetles, leafhoppers, thrips, fungus gnats.

For Fungal Diseases (Powdery Mildew, Black Spot, Scab, Leaf Spot): Neem oil has antifungal properties that inhibit the growth of fungal spores and prevent the spread of diseases.

Neem oil is generally safe for beneficial insects that do not feed on the plants’ leaves, like ladybirds, pollinators, and earthworms. Neem oil is a commonly used natural remedy for both indoor and outdoor plants.

The primary active ingredient is azadirachtin. Neem oil works to repel and smother harmful insects, reduce their ability to feed, and disrupt the life cycle at all stages. Neem oil also contains other compounds that are effective in treating fungal and bacterial diseases.

How to Use

Neem oil will not readily combine with water and needs an emulsifying agent, like a mild liquid soap or washing- up dish detergent, to effectively mix the oil. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of dish detergent to 1 gallon or 3ml to1 Litre of warm water (not hot or cold) water in your sprayer. This helps the oil to emulsify and spread evenly over the plant surfaces. Mix thoroughly.

Now add Neem Oil at the rate of 3ml to 1l water or about 1-2 tablespoons of Neem Oil per gallon of water. Mix thoroughly.

Stir or shake the solution well to ensure the neem oil is fully mixed with the water and soap.

Apply the Neem Oil Solution:

Use a spray bottle, garden sprayer, or mister to apply the neem oil solution to both sides of the plant leaves, stems, and any affected areas.

Ensure thorough coverage, especially on the undersides of leaves where many pests hide.

Avoid spraying during the hottest part of the day or when the plants are under direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Neem oil may cause damage to sensitive plants, so test a small area and wait 24 hours for signs of leaf damage.


Repeat Application:

For optimal results, repeat the neem oil treatment every 7-14 days.

Be persistent with the application, especially if dealing with stubborn pests or diseases.

Soil drench

A soil drench is when Neem Oil is diluted with water/soap and poured into the ground or potting soil. The solution is absorbed through the roots and distributed throughout the plant as a systemic that sucking insects will ingest. This method can be used outdoors, or on houseplants to eradicate fungus gnats, treat soil-borne fungal disease, and to kill insects, eggs, and larvae that are hiding in the soil.

Make sure that foliage is thoroughly coated to effectively treat pests or diseases.

Refrain from using neem oil if plants are stressed due to over or underwatering, or after transplanting to avoid shock.

Avoid spraying new seedlings, which can be sensitive to foliage burn.

Neem oil may cause damage to sensitive plants, so test a small area and wait 24 hours for signs of leaf damage.

Neem Oil safe for humans, dogs, and cats.

When used correctly, Neem Oil is safe for humans and pets. 

This natural pesticide is organic and breaks down quickly. Direct contact with the oil may cause mild skin or eye irritation. Avoid inhaling or ingesting neem oil and wash hands well after using. Minimize exposure and wear protective clothing for broader applications. Wash fruits or vegetables thoroughly that are sprayed with neem oil before consumption.

Neem oil may be somewhat toxic to fish and other aquatic life, so caution should be taken around ponds or streams.

Keep away from children & animals at all times.

Safe for wildlife

When used correctly, Neem Oil is safe for bees, butterflies, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects.

These insects do not feed on plant foliage, so will not ingest the oil. Avoid spraying beneficial insects directly and apply early in the morning or late in the day when beneficial insects are less active. It is not harmful to earthworms.

Neem Oil Use For Specific Types Of Plants

Houseplants: Indoor plants are susceptible to whitefly, spider mites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, aphids, thrips, scale, and fungal diseases. For infestations, spray foliage or drench soil every 7 days until pests are gone. As a preventative measure, drench the soil every 3 weeks.

When spraying foliage, make sure that the top and undersides of leaves are well coated. Test a small area of each plant first to make sure they are not sensitive to it. Avoid getting oil on furniture or fabrics to prevent stains or other damage.

Fruit trees: Neem oil can be used on fruit trees such as apple, cherry, nectarine, pear, peach, and plum. Use to control aphids, spider mites, caterpillars, coddling moth, meal worms, powdery mildew, scab, rust, and black spot.

The best time to apply neem oil is when trees are dormant to kill overwintering eggs and larvae. During the growing season, use neem oil as a repellent or to control infestations. Apply as a foliar spray or soil drench. Spraying too frequently can damage or kill fruit trees.

Vegetables: Use neem oil for killing pests that are troublesome to vegetables such as aphids, beetles, cabbage worms, corn earworm, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies. It can also be used for fungal diseases such as leaf spot, mildew, rust, stem rot, and wilt. Allow 2 weeks before harvesting and wash before use.

Lawns: Neem oil is effective at treating lawn pests such as grubs and, as well as fungal diseases. Use neem oil mixture on affected areas as a foliar spray or soil drench.

Warranty: This document is based on Mr Middleton extensive use of Neem Oil. It is a general guide to Neem Oil use.

Before use you should satisfy yourself that you understand the product and you are competent to use it.

We give no warranty as to its use and at no time will be libel for any damage caused as a result of following this guide.

Keep away from children & animals at all times.