Neem oil is frequently used on plants to repel certain critters that are harmful for the overall plant’s health. However, there is a thing; putting up too much oil can also harm the plant. But its not something to seriously worry about since Neem oil is organic, and there are simple ways to get rid off the oil from the plant. All you need to do is to follow the proper steps to remove excess oil without harming the plant. In the article below, we have listed some of the primary steps you must follow to wash the neem oil off the plants.
Why Do People Use Neem Oil Often?
Many people use neem oil on their plants as it’s a natural defense against germs and pesticides. However, neem oil can get very problematic, as we will learn later on. Neem oil’s main ingredient is a chemical compound known as azadirachtin, which effectively works against pests and fungi, eliminating competition in the garden.
Furthermore, neem oil is extremely accessible, and applying a little bit of it goes a long way. Thus, it only makes sense for gardeners to use it in their homes.
Many people are also unaware of the side effects of using neem oil because there’s the overwhelming belief that if something is “organic” and “natural,” it will not have harmful effects.
Moreover, the use of inorganic pesticides comes with many harmful side effects that can cause greater danger which is why so many people stay clear of them. Thus, Neem oil is a notable organic substitute to more harsh pesticides that may persist in plants much longer.
Why is Removing Neem Oil important?
It’s necessary to conduct this exercise because many of the plants in your backyard garden may be edible. It means that when you consume a certain vegetable grown in your garden, it will still have these neem oil supplications.
It May be Harmful To Children
If your household has many children, leaving neem oil on plants and vegetables intended for consumption can cause a lot of harm to the children. Concentrated neem oil can be toxic for children, pets, and pregnant women if consumed in high proportions. For children who have consumed this kind of concentrated neem oil, the harmful effects become apparent almost immediately, which is why it’s necessary to wash your plants when you can.
For pregnant women who consume large amounts of neem oil, we may find that it may lead to miscarriages and harm to the fetus. Thus, it’s advisable to keep neem oil at low concentrations or to rinse it off.
It is Dangerous for Plants
Using excessive concentrations of neem oil anywhere on the plant may be extremely harmful and toxic. It may burn the plant when you coat it completely. Furthermore, we find that it is a natural pesticide which is why so many people like using it so freely.
However, excessive use can cause more ill than good. The practice affects the plant’s health because people using neem oil often go overboard. Leaves with neem oil coating become impenetrable to the outside environment, meaning no water or oxygen will enter them. It could lead to eventual death of these plants.
Steps to Wash Neem Oil Off:
Start With a Soapy Solution
It’s common knowledge that a soap solution is the best way to get rid of any oil. However, certain soaps can harm the plants, and you must do your absolute best to ensure that you don’t use detergents that may harm the plant’s internal structure and environment.
So, start with a soapy solution that you can make using dish soap, vegetable oil, and hot water. The proportion of vegetable oil will be similar to that of the dish soap so that you can create an emulsion that washes the neem oil right off.
Take a quarter liter of water and add one tablespoon of dish soap and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. You want to mix it completely until the emulsion feels foamy.
Gently Spritz the Plant With Solution
You want to ensure that the solution is fairly applied to the plant. Instead, you can apply the solution in a spray bottle. Be sure that you only add a little of this solution in one go, as it may loosen the foundation of the plant. Before you apply the solution, make sure that you place the solution in a spray bottle and shake it around the battle for maximum foam. You can spray the solution and let it sit on the plant for a while.
Make sure you use this cleaning method early in the day before the sun reaches its apex. Doing so prevents your plants from getting burnt in the midday light.
Make a Final Rinse
Once the solution sits on the plants for a while, you can move towards rinsing the solution right off. To do this gently, you can use a hose or a spray bottle with water. When you do this properly, you’ll find that you have removed much of the neem oil from the rinse. You should also ensure that you rinse off the underside of the plants, so none of the neem oil remains.
Should You Water Plants After Removing Neem Oil?
Once you’ve rinsed off the neem oil, give your plants a nice watering. Doing so ensures that in the time that your plant has been covered with the neem oil, it hasn’t dried out. You may want to leave your plant in the sun to replenish itself with water, air, and all the other nutrients it needs.
As always, ensure you water the plants moderately instead of overwatering, which can also have drawbacks.
Final Thoughts
Suppose you’ve accidentally applied too much neem oil and want to wash it off. You only have to follow three very simple steps. However, you must follow these steps properly, as you need to proceed with care and caution to avoid creating more harm to your plants. When cleaning the neem oil from your plants, ensure you don’t accidentally introduce any new chemicals. It’s imperative to keep the detergents away from the plant and only use gentle substances like dish soap.
If you need more information on how to take care of your plants, you may visit us on www.moplants.com to learn more.
