Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant, but what happens after the festivities are over? If you’re wondering how to care for your poinsettia plant beyond the holiday season, you’re in luck.
With proper care, your poinsettia can thrive year-round. However, like any plant, poinsettias can fall victim to pests and diseases. That’s where neem oil comes in.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using neem oil on poinsettias and how it can help keep your plant healthy and vibrant.
So, let’s dive in!
Can I Use Neem Oil On Poinsettias?
Yes, you can use neem oil on poinsettias. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is effective against a wide range of pests, including whiteflies, aphids, and red spiders, which can all attack poinsettias during the summer season.
To use neem oil on your poinsettia plant, simply mix 10ml of neem oil with 500ml of water and spray it on the foliage. Make sure to coat all plant surfaces thoroughly to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Neem oil is also effective against powdery mildew, a common disease that can affect poinsettias. To get rid of powdery mildew, mix 10ml of neem oil with 500ml of water and spray it on the foliage. This solution can be used on any houseplant suffering from the disease.
Understanding Poinsettia Care
Poinsettias are popular holiday plants that can be grown as attractive green plants year-round with proper care. Understanding poinsettia care can help you keep your plant healthy and vibrant, and even make it colorful again for the next holiday season.
After the plant has passed its prime, usually in late January or February, it is time to withhold water, and the plants should go into a dormant stage for a month or so. When the weather warms up in March or April and after the threat of frost has passed, cut the plant back to 6 inches above the soil level. Water sparingly in the beginning, then after about two weeks, new shoots will start to develop at the “eyes” of the stem where the leaves were attached last year.
Remove the plant from the container and plant outside in a well-prepared garden bed. The soil must drain properly, and there should be considerable organic matter such as peat moss, leaf mold, or redwood sawdust incorporated into your soil mixture. Poinsettias will do best in a protected area; along a south wall is usually satisfactory. Immediately after planting, give it a thorough soaking.
The amount of water needed thereafter will depend on the type of weather that prevails and the amount of growth on the plant. When there is little growth and cool weather conditions, less water is required. When there is a great deal of foliage and warm weather, the demand for water is greater. Generally speaking, the plant should be watered well about once a week during the summer time.
To keep the plant from becoming too tall, cut it back on July 4. Do this by taking the new growth (growth from the plant this year), and cutting it back to about 6 inches from the old stem. This procedure will produce much shorter plants at Christmas with twice as many stems.
Starting about June 1 and continuing until December 1, plants should be fertilized at least once a month with your favorite garden fertilizer. Be sure it is high in nitrogen.
Various insects including mealy bugs, aphids, and red spiders can attack poinsettias during the summer season. Neem oil works very well as a treatment for such pests. Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is effective against a wide range of pests. Mix 10ml of neem oil with 500ml of water and spray it on the foliage to get rid of pests.
To properly set buds so that the flower will develop in the fall, the poinsettias must have enough consecutive long nights in fall to properly go from a vegetative state to a flower state. If a streetlight, porch light or some other light source shines on your poinsettia during September, October or November, your plant may be delayed in blooming.
Common Pests And Diseases That Affect Poinsettias
Poinsettias are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases that can affect their growth and overall health. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Aphids: These small insects can consume the leaves of the plant and cause black and brown spots. To cure aphids, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil, or make your own with a dish detergent like Ivory Liquid. Look for a product that is free of perfumes and other potentially harmful components. Combine the soap and water (starting with one teaspoon per gallon and increasing as necessary). Spray the plants thoroughly, including the bottoms of the leaves.
2. Mealybugs: Although not a major pest of poinsettias, mealybugs have become more of a problem in recent years. They feed on the leaf underside, on the plant stem, and near the base of the petioles. Mealybugs can cause leaf distortion, plant stunting, and wilting. They also excrete copious amounts of honeydew, which serves as a substrate for black sooty mold. To control mealybugs, visually inspect plants for mealybug life stages, including nymphs (crawlers) and egg-laying females. Mealybug populations may be suppressed on poinsettia plants before bract formation using insecticides such as acetamiprid, pyrifluquinazon, flupyradifurone, mineral oil, and buprofezin.
3. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that can affect poinsettias. It appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To get rid of powdery mildew, mix 10ml of neem oil with 500ml of water and spray it on the foliage.
4. Root Rot: This is a common problem that occurs when poinsettias are overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil. It causes the roots to rot and can eventually kill the plant. To prevent root rot, make sure to plant poinsettias in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
By being aware of these common pests and diseases that affect poinsettias, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants. Using neem oil as a natural pesticide is an effective way to control pests and diseases without harming your plants or the environment.
What Is Neem Oil And How Does It Work?
Neem oil is a natural, non-toxic product that functions as both an insecticide and fungicide for all living plants. It is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and is available in various forms, including as a foliar spray or leaf shine. Neem oil is especially valuable to indoor and hydroponic growers as it prevents fungus and other leaf diseases, making it particularly effective against spider mites.
The active ingredient in neem oil is called azadirachtin, which works by disrupting the pest’s hormones that control breeding, growth, and feeding. This limits their desire to feed on leaves and leads to starvation. Neem oil also works by suffocating bugs as it coats them. The instant remedy works on the bug depending on the stage of life the bug is in; typically, the smaller and more susceptible it is to suffocation on contact.
In addition to its insecticidal properties, neem oil also acts as a fungicide, preventing mildew, rust, leaf spot, and black spot on plant leaves. This makes it an all-around solution for plant health and protection.
Neem oil is safe to use in a home with pets or children as it is an all-natural product. It is best to use cold-pressed neem oil for organic gardening purposes as it retains the most active ingredients. Neem oil contains over 70 compounds in its oil, many of them thought to have insecticidal or repellent properties.
Benefits Of Using Neem Oil On Poinsettias
Using neem oil on poinsettias offers several benefits. Firstly, it is a natural pesticide, which means that it is safe and non-toxic for the plant, the environment, and humans. This makes it an ideal solution for gardeners who want to avoid using chemical pesticides.
Secondly, neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests and diseases that can affect poinsettias. This includes whiteflies, aphids, red spiders, and powdery mildew. By using neem oil regularly on your poinsettia plant, you can keep it healthy and free from pests and diseases.
Thirdly, neem oil is easy to use and readily available. You can purchase it from most garden centers or online retailers. It comes in a concentrated form that can be diluted with water and applied using a spray bottle.
Lastly, neem oil is cost-effective. A little goes a long way, and you only need to use it once a month during the summer season to keep your poinsettia plant healthy and pest-free.
How To Apply Neem Oil To Poinsettias
To apply neem oil to poinsettias, you will need to follow a few simple steps:
1. Mix the neem oil and water: In a spray bottle, mix 10ml of neem oil with 500ml of water. Shake the bottle well to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed in the water.
2. Spray the foliage: Spray the neem oil solution on the foliage of your poinsettia plant. Make sure to coat all plant surfaces thoroughly, including the undersides of leaves and stems.
3. Repeat as needed: Depending on the severity of the pest or disease problem, you may need to repeat the application of neem oil every few days or once a week until the issue is resolved.
It’s important to note that neem oil can be harmful to beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs, so it’s best to avoid spraying it when these insects are active. Additionally, neem oil can cause skin irritation in some people, so be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it.
Precautions And Tips For Using Neem Oil On Poinsettias
While neem oil is generally safe to use on poinsettias, there are a few precautions and tips to keep in mind:
1. Always test a small area of the plant before applying neem oil to the entire plant. This will help you determine if your plant is sensitive to neem oil.
2. Neem oil should be used in the morning or evening, as using it during the middle of the day when the sun is strong can cause the plant to burn.
3. Make sure to shake the bottle well before use to ensure that the neem oil is properly mixed with water.
4. Avoid using neem oil on plants that are stressed or wilted, as this can further damage the plant.
5. Do not use neem oil in combination with any other pesticide or fungicide, as this can lead to adverse effects.
6. Neem oil should not be used on plants that are in direct sunlight or high temperatures, as this can cause the plant to burn.
7. If you are using neem oil on a poinsettia plant that will be kept indoors, make sure to provide adequate ventilation to prevent any potential respiratory issues.
By following these precautions and tips, you can safely and effectively use neem oil on your poinsettia plant to control pests and diseases without causing harm to your plant.
