Are Essential Oils Safe For Plants? Best Oils for Pests

Essential oils are rich in useful substances, therefore they have a beneficial effect not only on people but also on plants. They help get rid of pests and strengthen indoor flowers. Remember, it’s important to only use high-quality natural oils.

Best essential oils safe for plants

are essential oils safe for plants

Lavender oil

Lavender is one of the first products that come to mind when it comes to pest control. If your plants are attacked by aphids or ants, you can deal with them without compromising the atmosphere of the room. Lavender ether will serve as a natural repellent.

You only need 10 drops, which must be mixed with 50 ml of ethyl alcohol and 200 ml of water. Place such a product in a spray bottle and process the plants 2-3 times a day until the pests disappear.

By the way, the flower scent stabilizes the mood and helps the body to relax and fall asleep, so when processing plants in the bedroom, your condition will also benefit. Lavender oil can ward off annoying moths.

Peppermint oil

Mint has a specific fresh scent that is unpleasant to harmful insects as well as lavender scent. To prepare a natural repellent, you can mix these two products in equal proportions with 250 ml of water, and then spray the plants.

This method is especially good if you notice traces of a spider mite on the leaves. Remember to shake the solution well before use.

The advantages of such a drug are absolute safety and a pleasant smell. The scent of mint has a beneficial effect on the psyche and reduces the risk of developing mental disorders.

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Lemon oil

With the help of lemon ether, you can prepare a wonderful top dressing. She is able to give green friends new strength.

For a glass of clean boiled water, half a teaspoon of lemon oil will be enough. Such a remedy is especially useful for plants with low immunity or for those who have recently suffered a fungal disease.

Lemon ether, diluted with plenty of water, can also be used to polish the leaves of plants such as ficus or hovea.

Tea tree oil

The main beneficial quality of the tea tree is its antiseptic properties. It is able to cleanse the air from pollution, as well as release useful phytoncides that suppress the development of pathogenic bacteria.

Tea tree ester effectively protects against fungal or viral diseases. The product can be diluted with water and sprayed directly on house flowers, or you can use an aroma lamp.

Tea tree perfectly protects a person from manifestations of aggression and other negativity, and also helps to activate thought processes and stimulate memory.

Rapeseed oil

First of all, rapeseed oil acts as a plant protection agent. It can be mixed with almost any similar drug for effectiveness.

The product fights insects such as aphids or ticks and has a nerve effect on pests. In addition, it promotes better absorption of fertilizers and various nutrients by the plant. Most often, oil mixtures are applied through watering or spraying.

Thyme oil

Thyme is widely used in the preparation of sanitizers like hand sanitizers, and for good reason. The product has high antiseptic properties: it is capable of destroying fungi and bacteria that have originated on the leaves and in the soil.

The spicy aroma also repels insects and affects humans like summer sunlight. It relieves stress and soothes the nerves. Therefore, fighting pests and infections of indoor plants, you simultaneously normalize your own morale and sleep patterns.

See also How to prevent pests on indoor plants?

Essential oils against plant pests Control

From year to year, as soon as the sun’s rays begin to warm the earth, residents of cities and towns spend weekends at their summer cottages. Many move to live outside the city, closer to nature, fresh air, and birdsong in the morning.

In some natural way, beds with vegetables, herbs, strawberries appear around country houses. Bushes of raspberries, blackberries, and currants grow.
There is nothing better than a crispy cucumber on a plate and a handful of self-grown berries without chemistry.

essential oils against plant pests

In the fight against pests of flower beds, gardens, and vegetable gardens, essential oils will help you. They will help to cope with insects, mold, fungi.
You will need lavender, tea tree, mint, basil, thyme, citronella, monarda, geranium, eucalyptus.

Ants – lavender, mint.

Everyone knows how difficult it is to get rid of an anthill, especially if its inhabitants decide to settle among the raspberry bushes. Our method will be simple and effective.

Add 2-3 ml of essential oil to a bucket of water (10-15 l), stir well, and water the soil under the plants and in places where ants congregate. Pour a glass of water into a spray bottle and, after shaking well, spray on the leaves and stems of the plants.

Aphids – lavender, basil, eucalyptus. 

The best remedy for aphids is ladybugs, it was they who were generously thrown out of planes on collective farm gardens and orchards. But breeding these amazing insects is more difficult than taking essential oils.

First option
In a glass of water, add 15 drops of essential oil or a mixture of them, pour into a spray bottle, shake well and process the plant.
Second option
Dilute laundry soap (preferably natural) in a little water to make a gruel. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil, then dilute in 1 glass of water, stir vigorously and spray the plants.

Ticks, including spider mites – basil, thyme, lavender, eucalyptus. These pests can be dealt with as with aphids in the first option. Additionally, if possible, cover the plant with a plastic bag. Feel free to combine essential oils with each other or use in a mono variant.

Fleas – lavender, mint. In this case, we process not only the plant itself but also the ground around it, as in the case of ants.
Fungus is a tea tree. We prepare water with essential oil, use it 2 times a day to irrigate the whole plant, in the morning and in the evening.

Mold – tea tree, thyme, monarda. The effect of monarda on mold control cannot be overestimated. Combine essential oils for best results.
Dilute 8-10 drops of essential oil or their mixture in 20 ml of vodka, then in 300 ml of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake vigorously before processing the plants.

Slugs, snails – pine, spruce, cedar, fir.   Representatives of the coniferous group actively prevent the access of these pests to the plant. Draw a circle around it on the ground with a thin stream of water and essential oil.

Caterpillars are mint. Spray the plant and draw a circle around it on the ground with water.

Gardeners often encounter insects in the ground. Try taking a small plastic bag, punching holes in it, and placing a cotton ball. Put 10 drops of mint or thyme on the cotton wool first. Tie the bag tightly and bury it in the ground. Make a few pieces. The smell of the oil should spread from the bag. Alternatively, use balloons without a bag.

In the same way, it makes sense to fight rodents underground. Moles will avoid places with citronella and mint scent.

Trees and shrubs can be protected from insects with cotton strips. Place 2-3 drops of citronella, mint, geranium or thyme essential oil on them and tie them to the branches. Refresh the scent every 2 days.

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Important! Do not spray your plant in sunny weather, as this can cause burns on plant leaves. Use oils in calm weather for the best effect.

Summer should delight with warmth, and the vegetable garden should be an excellent organic harvest. Go ahead, you will succeed!

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴