Insecticidal Soap?  Solved

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BryanW
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Insecticidal Soap?

Post by BryanW »

After spending a few hours murdering mealy-bugs with a pair of tweezers, I started thinking whether it would be more efficient using insecticidal soap.

What I want to know is, have any of you discovered a soap recipe that successfully removes mealy-bugs from the nooks and crannies of a plant?
Is Neem oil safe for Succulents, Cacti and Lithops?
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Brian
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by Brian »

I water with neem oil two or three times per year. Probably best to water the soil & avoid the plants, although I have never harmed the bodies of plants to date with neem.it is very effective; bit late with a first water with neem this year.

Really bad doses - rare - are isolated immediately outside, then jet washed with soapy water, followed by a further wash in washing up liquid. Give it a couple of days to dry out, then repot in fresh soil.

I find washing up liquid pretty good, with paint brush to get in the nooks and crannies. If there are masses of spikes ...... I have no idea what to do!
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by BryanW »

Hi Brian,
I've never used Neem oil so this is a new method for me :mrgreen:
Do you dilute the Neem if so what with? and what ratio would you recommend?
and finally.... could it be sprayed on to the plant itself?

Thank you for your response (tu)
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by Martin »

Interesting you water it and say keep off the plants

I have done the opposite, in that I make an emulsion in warm water (has to be warm or the oil can set solid before it disperses)

Add a little liquid soap to help it disperse. Add about 5ml oil to 1 lt of water and a few drops of liquid saop

Shake well and spray and keep shaking while spraying. I use a 5 ltr pressure spray

It definitely helps keep things like red spider in check, spray in evenings after sun has gone off the plants

What do you use for the water in mix ?
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by BryanW »

Hi Martin,
That seems more like a method I could utilise post-haste :wink:

Thanks for your response (tu)
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by Brian »

I use the method described by Martin & bought from The Neem Team, google them ( I am not on commission). As Martin says, the neem oil does not dissolve easily, so add a drop or more of washing up liquid to a small measure and make an emulsion, using warm water, then dissolve per supplier instructions.

Interesting that you spray on the plants, Martin. I did exactly that on the first couple of uses. I mentioned it to somebody at a branch meeting, not a member of our branch, who said that the neem would .... or might? ....... scorch the plants. So After that I watered in, instead of sprayed. I must say when I did spray I never got any marking on plants, but some plants might be adversely affected. Echeverias, perhaps?
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Re: Insecticidal Soap?

Post by Martin »

I agree I would not spray echiverias or plants with the nice white waxy covering

Never seen any issues relating damaging the plants but don't do it with the sun on them

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Re: Insecticidal Soap?  Solved

Post by BryanW »

All noted Guys (tu)
Thank you both :wink:
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