By now you’ve no doubt heard of the wonder product known as neem oil. This all-natural wood extract appears in cosmetics, healthcare and a wide range of agricultural applications.
However, you’re probably a bit confused by the mixed messages about how beneficial neem oil is for plants.
Neem oil comes from the pressed fruit of the neem tree, which is native to India and Africa.
Derived from the neem tree, neem oil has been used for centuries to control pests, as well as in medicinal and cosmetic products.
Neem works on insects differently than chemical solutions. Although it can take up to two weeks to see results, it is far more successful at eliminating infestations in the long term.
Neem oil is labeled for use on soft-bodied pests such as aphids, beetle larvae, caterpillars, leafhoppers, bees, butterflies, Japanese beetles, mealybugs, thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Another controversy is whether neem is safe for agricultural use.
Although praised in most of the world, neem oil is currently banned in Canada due to potential side effects of abuse.
The active ingredients in neem oil begin to break down after mixing with water. This makes the mixture most effective within 24 hours.
Some neem oil products also control fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot and black spot. It fights fungus by preventing new spores from germinating.
Knowing how often to use neem oil on plants protects them from potential damage. It will also help protect beneficial insects from contact with this natural insecticide.
Related: Check out this article on what kills bugs Neem oil.
In this article, we will dive deep into the details of how often to apply neem oil to plants.
How often can you use Neem oil on plants?
When it comes to natural plant pest control, neem oil for plants is a solution for many gardeners.
It is a natural insecticide that can help control a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies and mealybugs.
However, how often you can spray neem oil depends on various factors, such as the severity of the infestation and the type of plants involved.
As a general rule, neem oil is only used to remove infestations.
However, you can use it as a preventative every 2 to 3 weeks. However, like any pesticide, it can have harmful effects if used improperly.
But how often you should use neem oil on plants will depend on the needs of each individual plant.
Another thing to consider when using neem oil for plants as a pest control solution is how long does neem oil last on plants?
Neem oil has no long-term residual effect, so reapplying every two weeks or after rainfall is recommended. Applying neem oil at the right time is essential for effective pest control.
How long does neem oil take to work? This is another common question that comes up.
While the time it takes for neem oil to work depends on the type and severity of the infection, it can take up to 48 hours for neem oil to take effect.
Be patient and follow the instructions carefully.
How often to use Neem foliar sprays
Neem foliar sprays use a processed form of the organic insecticide neem oil known as purified hydrophobic neem oil.
Neem oil is safe to use on ornamental and edible plants. It can be sprayed on all kinds of fruits, shrubs, fruit trees, vegetables and edible flowers.
Some neem oil blends are labeled “ready to use” and often come in a spray bottle that you can use to apply. Be sure to spray the undersides of leaves where pests can hide and lay their eggs.
Sprays containing neem oil extract are also used to treat fungal and bacterial diseases such as anthracnose, black spot, spot, botrytis, blight, powdery mildew, rust and scab.
This oil has most of the active azadirachtin removed, resulting in concentrations of 0.5% to 3% percent.
As a topical solution, neem foliar sprays suffocate insects on contact and kill some external fungal diseases and infections.
Related: More on how neem oil insecticide works on plant pests
But it needs to be applied every other day for at least 14 days for it to work.
Apply at dusk or dawn to prevent contact with beneficial insects such as ladybugs or bees. It will not harm birds, but is toxic to fish and other aquatic creatures.
Avoid harming beneficial insects and aquatic habitats by applying the spray carefully and following all label application directions.
Once you are done with any current infestation, you can safely use a foliar spray once every two weeks for prevention.
Related: Read the dos and don’ts of applying Neem oil sprays.
How often to use Neem Soil Soaks
Soil soaking or Neem soaking is a completely different story.
The soak uses 100% cold pressed pure (AKA raw) neem oil.
Pour this houseplant version of neem oil onto the soil so the plant’s roots can absorb it, turning it into a systemic insecticide.
Azadirachtin will remain potent in the plant for up to 22 days. It will only affect piercing or chewing bugs.
This makes it far safer to use on houseplants near hives.
Due to the longevity of Azadirachtin, repeat the soil soak every 21 days to maintain potency.
Azadirachtin kills most infections without harming pollinators and beneficial creatures such as earthworms or predators. But it will also help fight many bacterial and fungal infections, including some forms of root rot.
When NOT to use Neem oil
Something that hasn’t been discussed enough is when you shouldn’t use neem oil on the plant.
Although it is non-toxic and often used in products such as toothpaste, it is generally agreed that neem should be applied to the edible plant on the day of harvest.
You can use a foliar spray the day before or soak the soil before harvesting. You will ingest less if you avoid applying it on the actual harvest day.
Do not use neem oil in the middle of the day as direct sunlight and neem oil together can burn the plants.
Another important rule is to always test a small part of the plant one day before using neem oils.
Plants, like humans, can have or develop allergies and sensitivities even to natural products.
By testing a small part of the plant first, you can check for signs of chemical burns or allergic reactions.
When you use Neem regularly, you may only need to test once. However, you should always retest the plant if you haven’t used neem oil on it for a long time.
If you notice an adverse reaction after testing or regular use, you should immediately stop using neem products on that plant.